Old Testament
Judges 13:23
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But his wife said to him, "If the LORD wanted to kill us, he wouldn't have accepted our burnt offering and grain offering. He wouldn't have shown us all these things or told us what he did just now."
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But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.
What Judges 13:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 13:23, Manoah's wife reassures him after an encounter with a divine messenger. She argues that if God intended to kill them, He would not have accepted their offerings or revealed His plans to them. Her reasoning highlights a key aspect of faith: recognizing God's intentions through His actions. The acceptance of their burnt and grain offerings signifies God's favor and the promise of a future blessing, which in this case is the birth of their son, Samson. This moment emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character and His ways, especially in times of fear or uncertainty. Manoah's initial fear of divine retribution is countered by his wife's faith in God's goodness and purpose. This exchange illustrates how faith can provide clarity and peace in troubling situations, reminding believers to trust in God's plans rather than succumb to fear.
How to apply Judges 13:23 to your life
When faced with fear or uncertainty, remember to reflect on God's past actions and blessings in your life. Like Manoah's wife, trust that God has a purpose for you and that His intentions are good. This perspective can bring peace and clarity in difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: A Son Is Promised (Judges 13:1–23)
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Samson
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Judges 13:23
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 13:23 teach about God's intentions?
Judges 13:23 illustrates that God's acceptance of offerings signifies His favor and intentions for good. Manoah's wife reassures him that if God wanted to harm them, He would not have accepted their burnt and grain offerings. This teaches us to recognize God's character through His actions and to trust that He has a purpose for our lives.
How can I apply the message of Judges 13:23 in my life?
You can apply the message of Judges 13:23 by reflecting on God's past blessings and actions in your life during times of fear or uncertainty. Like Manoah's wife, remind yourself that God has good intentions for you and that His plans are for your benefit. This perspective can help you maintain faith and peace in challenging situations.
What is the significance of offerings in Judges 13:23?
In Judges 13:23, the burnt and grain offerings symbolize devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Their acceptance by God indicates His favor and the promise of future blessings, such as the birth of Samson. This highlights the importance of offerings as a means of expressing faith and trust in God's plans.
Why was Manoah afraid after the divine encounter?
Manoah was afraid after the divine encounter because he feared that seeing God would lead to death, a common belief in biblical times. His fear stemmed from the understanding that encountering the divine could result in judgment. However, his wife reassured him by pointing out that God's acceptance of their offerings indicated His intentions were not to harm them.
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