What does Judges 13:9 mean?

The story about a man of God, who looked like an angel, and told a barren women she would have a son has been well-received by the woman's husband (Judges 13:2–8). She claimed the boy was to be a Nazarite even before birth, meaning no contact with dead bodies, grapes, or alcohol, or ever cut his hair (Numbers 6:1–21).

Manoah's response was to pray, asking God to send the "angel of the LORD" back and help them better understand what was required. His request was to be included in the conversation, as well as hearing more about how to raise the boy.

God hears Manoah's prayer and responds—but when "the angel of God" returns to Manoah's wife, her husband is not there. She is in a field, likely working. God seems willing to answer Manoah's prayer, but not making it easy for the husband to be part of direct communication, at least at first. In a subtle way, this serves to prove her honesty while also reminding Manoah that the message—for now—is not primarily about him (Judges 13:10).