Judges 13:1

"Judges."

Key Reflection

In Judges 13:1, we read about a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan, who and his wife were childless. This sets up the narrative for the miraculous birth of Samson, whose strength would come not only from divine blessing but also through natural human conception. The cultural context is significant because in ancient Israel, barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor, making Manoah and his wife's situation particularly noteworthy and hinting at an extraordinary destiny for their child.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The Philistines have been mentioned as oppressors of Israel inJudges 3:31;Judges 10:7,Judges 10:11; and the Israelite worship of the gods of the Philistines is spoken of inJudges 10:6. But this is the first time that we have any detailed history in connection with the Philistines. They continned to be the prominent enemies of Israel until the time of David. Forty years -The Philistine dominion began before the birth of SamsonJudges 13:5, and was in force during Samson’s twenty years’ judgeshipJudges 14:4;Judges 15:20. The 40 years are, therefore, about coincident with Samson’s life.

More from Judges 13

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