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Manoah (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordIn the account of Manoah, father of Samson, we find a man of the Danite tribe who, along with his wife, had no children. The Angel of the LORD appeared to his wife in a field, declaring that she would conceive and bear a son who would be a Nazirite, and gave her specific instructions for the child's upbringing. She reported this encounter to Manoah, describing the Man of God as having a countenance like the Angel of God, very awesome, though she did not learn His name. Manoah prayed to God, requesting that the Man of God return to teach them what to do for the child who would be born. God heard his prayer, and the Angel of God appeared again to his wife, who quickly brought Manoah to meet Him. Manoah asked if He was the one who had spoken to his wife, and the Angel confirmed, saying, "I am." Manoah then sought assurance of the promise, asking about the boy's rule of life and work, to which the Angel reiterated the instructions given to his wife. Manoah requested to prepare a young goat for the Angel, who declined to eat but suggested a burnt offering instead. When Manoah inquired about His name, the Angel responded, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" The couple offered the young goat and a grain offering on a rock to the Lord, and as they watched, flames leaped toward heaven, and the Angel of the Lord ascended in the fire and disappeared. Struck with awe, Manoah and his wife fell on their faces, and he exclaimed, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" His wife reassured him, saying, "If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time."
Manoah (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordManoah, father of Samson, emerges as a figure of faith and humility in Judges 13. When the Angel of the Lord first appears to Manoah's wife, promising a son despite her barrenness, she promptly shares the news with her husband, reflecting their open communication. Manoah prays for the Angel to return and provide guidance on raising their coming son, demonstrating his trust and desire for divine instruction. God hears his prayer, and the Angel reappears, confirming the promise. Manoah, filled with hope, exclaims, "Now let Your words come to pass!" showing his eager acceptance of the miracle. He seeks further details about his son's life and work, recognizing the broader significance of this blessing amid Israel's oppression by the Philistines. When the Angel reiterates the instructions given to his wife, Manoah responds with humility, offering hospitality and worship through a burnt offering. After witnessing the Angel ascend in the flames, Manoah, in awe, declares to his wife, "We have seen God!" His actions reveal a man of faith who, despite critics' doubts about his name meaning "rest," proves to be a humble partner and a chosen servant of God to raise a deliverer for Israel.
Manoah, Father of Samson
Sermonette by Mike FordMany Biblical scholars teach that Manoah was dimwitted, lazy, jealous, and faithless. But a close reading of the Scriptures proves just the opposite.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus did not take on a different shape or form when He was transfigured. Taking on the image of the heavenly does not vaporize one into shapeless essence.