Israel, revealing the issue deep in their heart by drawing close to their sin once again, is now captive to the Philistines. Within that captive nation exists a man named Manoah. He and his wife had no children. But as we have seen, barrenness is no obstacle for God. He appears to Manoah’s wife and tells them they will have a son who will rescue Israel. Manoah and his wife, like many of us today, show profound gratitude for this gift from God and ask Him how they should raise the boy, trusting in God and doing their best to bring Samson up in a way that will honor Him.