"'We are doomed to die! ...We have seen God!' But his wife answered, 'If the LORD had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering..."
(JUDGES 13:22-23)

Judges 13
An angel announced – first to Samson’s mother alone, then to both parents – that Samson was to be born. Manoah made an offering to the Lord in the angel’s presence. The angel disappeared in the smoke of the offering, and the fear-struck Manoah was certain he and his wife would die since they had actually seen God.


Samson’s mother, however, realized that if God had intended to destroy them, He could have done so directly and wouldn’t have made announcements or accepted offerings. Manoah was terrified by the angel’s miraculous departure. However, his wife knew that the awesome being had not appeared to frighten or destroy them, but to promise deliverance for her people.


God is amazing and powerful; He’s utterly and awesomely fearsome if we don’t know His intentions. But in His Word we learn of His many promises and assurances. He gave Samson great strength and used him to deliver Israel. He raised Christ from the dead to save us from sin and death. The Lord is powerful, but that’s good news because He is on our side.





Scripture Focus

Judges 13

Insight

"WHO IS THIS...WITH GARMENTS OF STAINED CRIMSON? ...ROBED IN SPLENDOR, STRIDING FORWARD IN THE GREATNESS OF HIS STRENGTH? 'IT IS I ... MIGHTY TO SAVE.'"
(ISAIAH 63:1)

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Kings 21-22
  • Proverbs 10
  • Hebrews 13

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