In those days a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan lived in the town of Zorah. His wife was unable to become pregnant, and they had no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and said, “Even though you have been unable to have children, you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son…and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.”
(Judges 13:2-3, 5 NLT)
As the angel promised, Manoah’s wife had a son and named him Samson – the famous Bible hero who is known for his great strength. There are recurring stories of barren women in the Bible whom God blessed with children that played an important role in His redemptive plan and Israel’s history. These women are Sarah, Isaac’s mother; Rebekah, Jacob’s mother; Rachael, Joseph’s mother; Hannah, Samuel’s mother; and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. After years of waiting, ridicule and shame, these women became known as the mothers of prominent historical figures, and their stories are an inspiration to many.
God turns our sorrow into joy.
Rising with the Son 