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Book of Judges - Chapter 13 - Verse 15

13:15
And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Judges, Manoah, the father of Samson, is speaking to the angel of the Lord. Manoah is expressing his desire to show hospitality and respect to the angel by preparing a meal for him. The act of offering a kid for the angel to eat was a common practice in ancient times to show honor and hospitality to guests, especially to those believed to be messengers of God. Manoah's gesture highlights his reverence for the divine and his willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that the angel is taken care of. This verse reflects the importance of hospitality and generosity in biblical times, as well as the belief in the significance of treating messengers of God with reverence and respect.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Manoah, the father of Samson, speaks to the angel of the Lord, demonstrating hospitality by offering to prepare a meal for the divine visitor. The word 'detain' in this context can refer to the act of delaying or hindering someone from leaving, as Manoah is eager to entertain the angel and hear his message. The term 'kid' likely refers to a young goat, commonly slaughtered for special occasions or as a gesture of respect and honor. Manoah's gesture reflects the biblical theme of hospitality towards angels and divine messengers, as seen in other Old Testament stories where individuals entertain heavenly beings unaware of their true identity. This interaction highlights the importance of showing kindness and generosity to strangers, as one may unknowingly encounter angels in disguise, reiterating the biblical value of caring for others regardless of their appearance or social status.

American Standard Version

And Manoah said unto the angel of Jehovah, I pray thee, let us detain thee, that we may make ready a kid for thee.
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