Into whose hands did the Lord next deliver his backsliding people, and for how long a time ?
What remarkable circumstance happened to the wife of Manoah ? v. 3—5.
What was implied in the child's being a Nazarite? N. B. A Nazarite, or one separated,was one who was in a special manner dedicated by his parents, or by his own act, to God, to walk before Him, either for a specified time, or during life, in peculiar and pre-eminent holiness; being by a solemn vow separated and consecrated to this purpose, of which abstinence from wine, and the hair left unshorn, were visible badges. Persons thus distinguished under the O. T. were types of Christ, the great Nazarite, who was "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners," Of these Samson was the principal, though the language of Jacob respecting his son Joseph, points him out also as eminently bearing that character. See Gen. 49. 26.
How did she speak of it to her husband?
What impression did this make upon Manoah, and how did God regard his request?
Under what circumstances did the second appearance take place, and what conversation ensued? v. 9—14.
How did Manoah propose to honor his visitor, and how did the angel reply?
What further enquiry did Manoah make, and how was he answered? N. B. The word here rendered "secret" is in the original the same with that rendered "wonderful" in the prophet's prediction of Christ, Is. 9. 6. So that in apparently declining to impart his name, he does in reality make known one of his most august and glorious titles.-The Angel, therefore, who so often appeared to the fathers, here assumes to himself a name unquestionably belonging to the promised Messiah, and consequently puts it beyond a doubt who is the real Person intended by the appellation Angela or Angel of the Lord, so frequently spoken of.
What offering did Manoah present and what occurred thereupon?
What did Manoah say when he ascertained the true character of the messenger, and how did his wife encourage him?
What was the name given to the child, and where and how did he begin to distinguish himself?
Why was this place so called? ch. 18. 12.
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