The first few chapters tell the story of Israel’s fall into persistent weakness and their restoration by God working through weakness. While this part of Judges introduces a character who is not weak but very strong, Samson’s parents were living in the weakness of childlessness. Their contemporaries may have even considered this couple “cursed” by God with no children as the primary indicator. Their future in Israel was uncertain because they would have no heir to receive their inheritance. It looked like the name of Manoah was destined to be forgotten in Israel. The fact that God chose them indicates their faith and righteousness. The description that they had never had children indicates that they are not newly-weds. Such a description doesn’t mean Manoah and his wife were in the age bracket with Abraham and Sarah, or Zechariah and Elizabeth but it doesn’t preclude an advanced age either. God sent his angel to this hardworking couple to bring them good news of great joy for all the people of Israel. Not only would the family of Manoah have a son but God would use that special son to begin the liberation of Israel from their Philistinian rulers.
Stuart
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