The Pulpit Commentary — Judges — Section 139

FOR TIIE SERV!CE 011 Goo, Sam.son \s to b,e t~ained for God. Parents are too negli- gent of the highest ends of their children s lives. Careful to preserve their health and develop their natural powers of body and mind, anxious to instruct them in useful and liberalising secular knowledge, energetic in securing them a prosperous career in the world, parents often forget the real purpose of life, and fail to fit their children for the great mission of serving God. Children should be regarded e.s God's from their birth, and as only lent by him. The significance of baptism, as implying God's claim on the children and their dedication to him, should be remembered in all the subsequent training of them. IV. THE CHIEF BESPONSIBlLITY OJI' THE TRAINING OF CHILDREN RESTS ON THEIR PA• RENTS. This cannot be delegated to teachers. Though the work may be largely done by special teachers, the responsibility still remains on the father and mother, and can never be shifted, They too have the most influence by the constant intercourse of home, the force of parental example, authority, and affection, their knowledge of their children and interest in them. V. GUIDANCE FOR THE TRAINING OF CHILDREN SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM Gon. Manoah and his wife show their humility, their faith, and their devotion in praying for guidance. This is necessary for many reasons. The issues of the work are supremely important; error may lead to fearful disaster. The execution of the work is exceedingly difficult. The ideal to be aimed at is great and high. There is mystery in the character of every soul, mystery in the will of God as to its destiny, mystery in the innumerable subtle influences which play upon it. He who realises these things will seek light as to the end of the training of the children and the method of pursuing it.-.A. Vera. 17, 18.-The mystery of a name. Names denote persons and describe characters. The nameless one wraps both his individuality and his nature in mystery. Naturally Manoah, like Jacob, desire11 to solve such a mystery (Gen. mii. 29), and in response to this wish, unlike "the traveller unknown," the angel reveals a name, though one of partial mystery. I. MANOAH's QUESTION (see ver. 17). 1. Manoah doe, not know that his visitor is an angel of the Lord (ver. 16). Divine visitations are not always recognised. The true nature of Christ was unknown to most of his contemporaries, We cannot always trace the hand of God in his providential action. Heaven is about us un- noticed ; unseen ministries attend our lives ; God is nearer to us the.n we suspect. 2. Manoah desi,res to know the name of his mysterioUB visitor--(1) from nature.I curiosity, (2) from a desire to strengthen his faith in the message of the unknown, (3) from a wish to give him thanks when his promise should be fulfilled. The thirst to solve the strange questions which surround our spiritual life is natural, and not inconsistent with humility nor with faith. It would be better if we were more anxious to inquire for indications of God nnd of his character in the experience ot life. II. Tm: ANGEL'S REPLY (see ver. 18). 1. He begins hi,s reply with a question. We should not assail heaven with unjustifiable prayers, but should be ready to give 11 reason for our petitions. Revelation is not intended to quench human thought, but to stimulate it. Every new voice from heaven, while it answers some questions, starts new questions. 2. The angel implies that Manoah's request was needless, either (1) because he ought to have recognised the nature of his visitant from the character of hie message and conduct, or (2) because it was more important to con- sider the meaning of the message the.n to inquire into the nature of the messenger. We sometimes pray for more light when we only need better eyes to use the light we have; not a fresh revelation, but discernment, reflection, spiritual feeling to appreciate the revelation already received. God's truth is more important than the person of the proph~ apostle, or angel who brings it to us. 3. The angel gives Manoah a name. .t:1.e is "Wonderful." This was a partial answer to Manoah's question. (1) It carried his thought to God, who is tho supreme mystery, aud sug- g·ested the greatness, the wonder, the awe of all that pertained to him. Thus it we.s a revelation of the Divine. (2) Nevertheless the name was but a partial exp lunation, as its very meaning suggested the unknown. The deepest questions cannot be solved L2  148 THE BOOK OF JUDGES. [CH. XIII. 1-25.