In this first chapter of the saga of Samson we hear the announcement of his birth to an unnamed barren woman. The angel of the Lord appears and tells her she will bear a son who will be blessed by God from the womb. Her husband, Manoah, does not believe her and prays to God to send the messenger to him so he might hear it with his own ears. Even then the angel appears to the woman. Only when the angel ascends to the heavens in the fire of sacrifice does Manoah realize, and he is afraid. It is the woman who understands the promise of a son who will be the greatest judge of Israel. Please join us.