Wednesday, August 27, 2003 (62)THE BIRTH OF A DELIVERER. Israel, as usual was in trouble and the Lord was about to provide a leader, a judge for them. Once again, the Lord chose a barren woman to prove His ability to do the unusual. Judges 13:2 Oddly enough, her name is not mentioned in the account, even so, she was to be favored by visitations by the Lord, and the revelation of the Lord. Her husbands name was Manoah, meaning, Quite, rest. He was of the tribe of Dan, signifying a judge, which is exactly what they were to receive in the birth of this child. This most certainly gives testimony to her piety and love for the Lord. The angel of the Lord, which is the Lord Himself in angelic form known as a theophany. His pronouncement must have been a great thrill to her. The barren was to become fruitful. Jdg. 13:3
HER SON TO BE A NAZARITE. A man with a vow and dedication to the Lord, from his birth. As a Nazarite, he was separated unto the Lord. He was to be consecrated fully to the Lord. It was a special vow. Num. 6:2-4 He was to live according to the religious laws of Israel. He was to refrain from all intoxicants, one hundred percent dedication, even to not eating of the fruit of the vine. Jgs. 13:4, 7 This was to be a life long separation, from the cradle to the grave. No razor was to be used to cut his hair as long as the vow was being performed. It was a sign of his commitment to the Lord. Also a sign of holiness. Num. 6:5 The third requirement was that he was not to touch a dead body, even that of his parents, he was not to be defiled in any manner. Numbers 6:6-7 The Lord has a very special way of accomplishing His purposes. This child was to be a deliverer to Israel. The Lord does not seek someone who was an adult and a warrior at that time to bring deliverance, but causes a child to be born. Deliverance must wait until the child is grown. The Lord works according to His own schedule and not ours. We want prayers answered yesterday, He answers at just the right time. Don’t forget, He has the prerogative of saying NO, as well as yes.
SHE TOLD HER HUSBAND. Surely she must have very excitedly narrated her encounter with the man of God, to her husband. Her description of the man leaves little doubt as to person with whom she had met. He had the countenance of an angel, positively shining with the glory of the Lord. We get a word picture of the awesome, terrible appearance of the Lord when we view His countenance and His clothing on the Mount of Transfiguration. His whole being glowed with a lightening like brightness. Luke 9:29 It is interesting to see that she did not inquire of the origin of this man of God who appeared to her and related such a glorious message to her. Nor did He tell me His name. That is to come later in the rest of the story. Jgs. 13:6 A meeting with the Lord completely alters the plan and direction of ones life. It was a spiritual meeting that was to bring natural results, both, in the life of this family and eventually would have a profound effect on the lives of the Israelites and also on that of their enemies. The Lord does things His way, which is always the very best.