Judges 13:23

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 13:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But his wife said unto him, If Jehovah were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt-offering and a meal-offering at our hand, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would at this time have told such things as these.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But his wife said unto him, If Jehovah were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt-offering and a meal-offering at our hand, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would at this time have told such things as these.
Judges 13:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23But his wife said unto him, If Jehovah were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt-offering and a meal-offering at our hand, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would at this time have told such things as these.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But his wife said unto him, etc.] Who was less fearful, and the strongest believer of the two, seeing her husband so very much intimidated, endeavoured to comfort and strengthen him by the three following arguments: if the Lord was pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands; for it was at the direction of this illustrious Person that they offered these offerings, and who testified the divine acceptance of them, by causing fire in an extraordinary manner to consume them, which was always reckoned a token of God’s acceptance of them; and besides, the angel went up in the flame, as being well pleased with them, and, as it were, carrying up…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Nor would, &c. - This expression seems to have some emphasis in it, to enhance God's mercy to them, as being afforded them in a time of such grievous calamity; and in a time when the word of the lord was precious; and there was no open vision. Judges 13:24”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“his wife: Ecc 4:9, Ecc 4:10; Co1 12:21 he would not: Gen 4:4, Gen 4:5; Psa 86:17 he have showed: Psa 25:14, Psa 27:13; Pro 3:32; Joh 14:20, Joh 14:23, Joh 15:15 Judges 13:24”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification