Judges 13:23 - But his wife said to him, “If Yahweh were pleased to kill us, he wouldn’t have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand, and he wouldn’t have shown us all these things, nor would he have told us such things as these at this time.”
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What does "Judges 13:23" mean?
This verse, Judges 13:23, is spoken by Manoah's wife after an angel of the Lord (identified as Yahweh in the woman's reasoning) appears to them and announces that they will conceive a son who will deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah, her husband, is understandably afraid that they will die after seeing God. His wife, however, offers a more optimistic interpretation. Here's a breakdown of her reasoning:
"If Yahweh were pleased to kill us...": She starts by acknowledging Manoah's fear – that seeing God might lead to their death. This fear stems from the belief that no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20).
"...he wouldn't have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand...": She points out that they had previously offered a sacrifice to the angel (whom she now believes was Yahweh). God accepting a sacrifice signified his favor and acceptance of them. To kill them immediately after accepting their offering would be contradictory. God wouldn't accept a gift from those he intended to destroy.
"...and he wouldn’t have shown us all these things...": The angel showed them a miraculous appearance and communicated directly with them. She argues that God wouldn't bother revealing such amazing things if his intention was to kill them.
"...nor would he have told us such things as these at this time.”: This refers to the prophecy about their son being a deliverer of Israel. She believes God wouldn't share such important information with them if he intended to kill them right after. The prediction of a son destined for a great purpose strongly suggests a future for them and their lineage.
In essence, the wife's argument is a logical one, based on God's actions and communication with them:
God accepted their offering, implying favor.
God revealed significant information, implying a future for them.
The significance of the verse lies in:
The woman's faith and insight: She demonstrates a greater understanding of God's character and intentions than her husband in this moment. She reasons logically and trusts in God's goodness.
The contrast between fear and faith: Manoah is overcome with fear, while his wife responds with a hopeful and rational assessment of the situation. This contrast highlights the different ways people can react to encounters with the divine.
Foreshadowing: The woman's words foreshadow the birth of Samson and his role as a deliverer of Israel, reinforcing the idea that God's plan for them is one of purpose and not destruction.
The verse serves as a reminder that God's actions are often guided by purpose and grace, even in seemingly frightening situations. The wife's faith and logic provide a comforting and insightful perspective on God's character and intentions.
Judges 13:23 - But his wife said to him, “If Yahweh were pleased to kill us, he wouldn’t have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand, and he wouldn’t have shown us all these things, nor would he have told us such things as these at this time.”
What does "Judges 13:23" mean?
This verse, Judges 13:23, is spoken by Manoah's wife after an angel of the Lord (identified as Yahweh in the woman's reasoning) appears to them and announces that they will conceive a son who will deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah, her husband, is understandably afraid that they will die after seeing God. His wife, however, offers a more optimistic interpretation. Here's a breakdown of her reasoning:
"If Yahweh were pleased to kill us...": She starts by acknowledging Manoah's fear – that seeing God might lead to their death. This fear stems from the belief that no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20).
"...he wouldn't have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand...": She points out that they had previously offered a sacrifice to the angel (whom she now believes was Yahweh). God accepting a sacrifice signified his favor and acceptance of them. To kill them immediately after accepting their offering would be contradictory. God wouldn't accept a gift from those he intended to destroy.
"...and he wouldn’t have shown us all these things...": The angel showed them a miraculous appearance and communicated directly with them. She argues that God wouldn't bother revealing such amazing things if his intention was to kill them.
"...nor would he have told us such things as these at this time.”: This refers to the prophecy about their son being a deliverer of Israel. She believes God wouldn't share such important information with them if he intended to kill them right after. The prediction of a son destined for a great purpose strongly suggests a future for them and their lineage.
In essence, the wife's argument is a logical one, based on God's actions and communication with them:
God accepted their offering, implying favor.
God revealed significant information, implying a future for them.
The significance of the verse lies in:
The woman's faith and insight: She demonstrates a greater understanding of God's character and intentions than her husband in this moment. She reasons logically and trusts in God's goodness.
The contrast between fear and faith: Manoah is overcome with fear, while his wife responds with a hopeful and rational assessment of the situation. This contrast highlights the different ways people can react to encounters with the divine.
Foreshadowing: The woman's words foreshadow the birth of Samson and his role as a deliverer of Israel, reinforcing the idea that God's plan for them is one of purpose and not destruction.
The verse serves as a reminder that God's actions are often guided by purpose and grace, even in seemingly frightening situations. The wife's faith and logic provide a comforting and insightful perspective on God's character and intentions.