Old Testament

Judges 13:20

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a dramatic moment where the angel of the LORD ascends into the flame of the altar.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

As the flame rose from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the LORD ascended right up into the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown on the ground.

KJVKing James Version

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a dramatic moment where the angel of the LORD ascends into the flame of the altar. This event occurs after Manoah and his wife have made a sacrifice, demonstrating their devotion and reverence. The rising flame symbolizes their prayers and offerings being accepted by God. When they witness the angel's ascent, Manoah and his wife are overwhelmed by the divine presence and fall to the ground in awe and fear. This reaction highlights the seriousness of encountering a heavenly being and the recognition of God's power. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the proper response of humility and worship when faced with the divine. The act of falling facedown signifies their submission and reverence, acknowledging that they are in the presence of something far greater than themselves. Explore related intimacy.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 13:20 to your life

This verse encourages us to approach God with reverence and humility. When we offer our prayers and sacrifices, we should recognize the seriousness of our relationship with the divine. It reminds us to be aware of God's presence in our lives and to respond with awe and respect.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 13:20 mean?

Judges 13:20 describes a moment when the angel of the LORD ascends into the flame of the altar after Manoah and his wife make a sacrifice. This signifies their devotion and the acceptance of their offering by God, leading to their awe and fear in the presence of the divine.

What is the significance of the flame in Judges 13:20?

The flame in Judges 13:20 symbolizes the prayers and offerings of Manoah and his wife being accepted by God. It represents a connection between the earthly and the divine, highlighting the seriousness of their worship.

Why did Manoah and his wife fall on their faces in Judges 13:20?

Manoah and his wife fell on their faces in Judges 13:20 as a response to witnessing the angel of the LORD ascend into the flame. This act demonstrates their humility, reverence, and recognition of the power of God.

What does this verse teach about worship?

Judges 13:20 teaches that worship should be approached with reverence and humility. The reaction of Manoah and his wife serves as a reminder of the proper attitude when encountering the divine.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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