Do you know the story of Samson? The strong man in the bible who was picked out by God. He wore long dark locks of hair. His body rippled with muscles. If you haven’t, you can find the story in Old Testament in the book of Judges chapters 13-16. I must warn you that if or when you read it, you might be frustrated with this bible story and its hero. The times were times of chaos, people doing as they saw fit in their own eyes (does that sound familiar?) However, I want to focus on another important figure in this story, Sampson's mother. The woman opens up the story, yet her name is never even mentioned.
Here are my takeaways about this certain man of Zorah, whose name was Manoah, who had a wife that was barren.
The Angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife to tell her she was barren indeed. Maybe she was pondering why it had been so hard to conceive, maybe she was asking God about her fertility. And what she feared was confirmed.
Then in the same apparition he told her that despite her barrenness she would conceive a child. What? Could she still believe it? Was it the Angel of God? Or was it just a man or her imagination?
Then, he gave her special instructions for her to follow in her pregnancy- a special diet, a possible change of social life. How could it be that from no baby to a special set apart son from the womb? Seemed impossible to believe much less obey.
She wanted to believe it with all her heart so she went to share this bizarre incident with her husband. How could this husband believe a desperate wife? you know how we women can be.
But, just in case he would pray to God. And God listened to Manoah, her husband.
While she was out in the field, we don’t know if she was working or sitting and meditating or waiting for something to happen, we don’t know how much time had passed. It seems to me that she was hanging on to that promise. Then the angel of the Lord came to the woman again- isn’t that interesting? Such a private intimate moment that she needed. So she runs to get her husband, like she is sure he’s gonna wait for her to get her husband and he does. And Manoah comes to meet this “man” When he confirms that it’s an answered prayer and he’s speaking with the man who gave the incredible prophecy, he wants to know about the boy. What kind of great man will he be? What will be his purpose? The angel answered him:
I told the woman already, she must observe the command given. Don’t drink strong drink or wine and don’t eat anything unclean, he will be set apart. That's all he got.
Manoah wanted to solidify this incredible word from God, not realizing it's a very spiritual moment he moves to do what he knew, prepare a burnt offering. When the flame of the fire goes up so does the angel of the Lord and the couple falls down in reverence.
The woman bore a son and called his name Samson.
Manoah's wife became Samson's mother.
God knew who she was, God heard her prayer, God saw her heart and he did know her name. Only the reader doesn't know it 😉
I love the way that God would show up in the middle of a need and make wild crazy promises, IF they would choose to believe his instructions. I must admit that his methods do not always seem balanced. My humanity always reacts, sometimes my senses are sharply offended. Like in this story in regards to this woman. No name?! I guess it was more important to this mom was to be known as 'Mom". I do love the connection that God has with his people. Flawed people, carnal people whom God loves so much.
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