שופטים, פרק י״ג, פסוק י״ב

Manoah's second encounter with the divine messenger marks a turning point where doubt transforms into absolute certainty. As an expectant father, he now seeks practical guidance for the child destined to be born.

Up until this moment, Manoah harbored doubts about whether the news of a child would actually come to pass. However, the messenger's return in response to his prayer serves as definitive proof that this is the word of God and will certainly be fulfilled [מצודת דוד]. Seeking clarity on the totality of the promises, Manoah also worries that his wife might have been imprecise with the details she previously relayed. He fears she might have exaggerated or added her own interpretations, prompting his desire to hear the instructions directly from the source [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective suggests Manoah specifically asks the messenger to repeat exactly what was said to his wife earlier in the day. This stems from the belief that divine inspiration does not manifest at night. Therefore, he assumes the messenger cannot deliver new prophecies at this hour, but can only repeat the exact words God had provided during the daylight [אהבת יהונתן].

With his doubts resolved, Manoah shifts his focus to the future, asking about the proper conduct and lifestyle for the child. The primary approach among commentators is that Manoah is seeking practical advice on how he and his wife should raise and treat the boy. While the initial instructions focused solely on the mother's behavior during her pregnancy, the focus now shifts to the boy's own future conduct [מלבי״ם]. This inquiry reflects Manoah's understanding that once the child is born, the responsibility of raising him falls equally on both parents [אלשיך].

When Manoah further asks about the specific actions to be taken, opinions differ on his exact meaning. The primary approach among commentators is that this is a practical question directed at the parents, asking what specific steps they must take to care for the boy [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another view suggests the question is not about the parents' duties, but rather about the child's ultimate destiny. Because the boy is marked for greatness even before his birth, Manoah wishes to know in advance what heroic deeds and accomplishments his son will achieve when he comes of age [מלבי״ם].