Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 13:23. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about a king and his wife. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The King is Facing a Threat: The story centers around King Eglon, who was facing a serious rebellion led by his wife, Jael. They’re Asking About a Revelation: Jael, driven by her desire to see the future and perhaps find a way to defeat the rebels, asks God to reveal what will happen to them. She wants to know if the LORD (God) would allow a sacrifice or offering of meat and burning – things traditionally associated with worship – to be made at their hands. They're Asking About a Specific Revelation: The key part is that Jael isn’t asking for any revelation. She’s specifically asking about “all these [things]” – meaning, she wants to know what the LORD will do if they are captured and killed. What it Means - A Bit More Insight: This verse is a bit mysterious, but here's a possible interpretation: God's Sovereignty: The verse highlights God’s absolute control and power over events. He doesn’t just allow things to happen; He actively chooses what happens. A Test of Faith: It suggests that Jael was testing God’s character. She wasn't asking for a specific outcome, but rather a demonstration of His will. She was trying to understand if God would intervene in a way that might be seen as a sign or punishment. The Significance of the Offering: The verse implies that the offering – whether it was a burnt offering or meat – is significant because it’s a symbol . It represents something bigger, something that could lead to destruction or a terrible outcome for the rebels. It's not just about the physical sacrifice; it’s about the potential consequence. In essence, it’s a plea from Jael to understand God’s judgment and to seek His guidance. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against seeking to challenge or defy God’s will. It points to a time when humans were trying to manipulate divine intervention for their own purposes. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its theological significance (like its connection to the story of Samson)? Offer another biblical passage for comparison?