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.
Ver. 20. When the flame went up toward heaven.] As it doth naturally. God can draw up our spirits as a heave offering. Exo 29:27 As we see the flame ascend, we are to think of it as of a sheet let down by God from heaven, to take up our love and affections in, like the flame of this sacrifice wherein the angel ascended.
That the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar.] This did most sweetly represent and shadow forth, saith a grave interpreter, the office of Christ, whose work it is to present all our services before God, and to procure them to be graciously accepted of him.
And fell on their faces to the ground.] Partly through fear, and partly in way of thankfulness to God.