THEOSISJakimov I.S.
In Judges 5:24-26, Debora extols Jael for her triumph over Sisera. Throughout the narrative of Judges, there emerges a notable admiration for women. Although the priests are not included among those Debora calls to celebrate the Lord, Jael receives commendation in her song. The daughter of Jephthah is also acknowledged, portrayed positively (Judg. 11:36). Moreover, the wife of Manoah, mother of Samson, is depicted in a particularly favorable light. She exemplifies zealous adherence to the divine command and matches her husband in righteousness, often surpassing him in wisdom. This is demonstrated when Samson desires to marry a Philistine woman and seeks his parents' approval, only to be denied by them.
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His second appeal is made solely to his father, likely reasoning that his mother may not acquiesce to his unsanctified wish, hoping instead for paternal leniency regarding a forbidden union. This illustrates the devotion and fervor of Manoah's wife. Her intelligence is evident when an angel reveals to her that she would bear a Nazarite son destined to free the Israelites from the Philistine oppression. The angel chooses to appear to her, deeming her worthy of this sacred message. In a display of discernment, she wisely relays the angel's prophecy to her husband while discreetly omitting the details regarding Samson's future mission, thus preserving political sensitivity. When they present sacrifices to God and the angel is absent, Manoah fears death, reasoning that an encounter with God would spell doom for them. His wife counters, "Why should we die? If God intended to kill us, He would not have accepted our offering," showcasing her sound logic (Judg. 13 and 14). In recounting this, we do not seek to belittle Manoah. The text affirms his piety. Yet, in later Jewish tradition, a dismissive attitude towards him emerged, particularly in the Talmud. Two examples illustrate this perspective: 1) Judges 13:11 indicates that Manoah followed his wife. The Talmudic sages comment that if a husband and wife must cross a narrow bridge over a river and he walks behind her, he should push her into the water instead of relinquishing the lead. 2) Another Rabbi states, "I would prefer to follow a lion than my wife; only Manoah would walk behind his wife."