Book of Judges - Chapter 13 - Verse 21
Meaning
When the angel of the LORD stopped appearing to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that the being he had been speaking with was indeed an angel of the LORD. This realization holds significant meaning in the narrative as it signifies the divine nature of the messenger sent by God. The angel's appearance and subsequent disappearance served as a confirmation of the miraculous nature of the encounter that Manoah and his wife had experienced. It reinforced the idea that God's divine presence was at work in their lives, guiding and directing them in accordance with His will. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the signs and wonders that God sends to His people, as well as the necessity of faith in accepting and understanding the messages that are conveyed through these divine interventions.
Theological Overview
One can find a theological interpretation in the verse where the angel of the LORD stops appearing to Manoah and his wife. This could symbolize the completion of the specific task that the angel was sent to accomplish. The appearance of angels in the Bible often signifies divine intervention or a message from God. In this case, when the angel stopped appearing, it signified that the message or task had been fulfilled. This can remind readers of the faithfulness and sovereignty of God, who sends his messengers to carry out his will. Additionally, the verse could also highlight the importance of recognizing and acknowledging when God's presence is at work in our lives, as Manoah realized the angel's true identity only after the appearances stopped. Word studies of the phrase 'angel of the LORD' can lead to a deeper understanding of the role angels play in conveying God's messages to his people throughout the Bible.