Luke 13:31

The same day. Textual evidence favors the reading “in that hour.” Luke commonly uses this expression to denote a close time relationship with the preceding part of the narrative. For the present circumstances see on verse 1.

Pharisees. The Pharisees, as a class, were now Jesus’ sworn enemies, bent upon His death. See on Matthew 19:3; 20:18, 19.

Depart hence. Apparently this incident took place within the domain of Herod Antipas, which included Galilee and Peraea (see on chapter 3:1). Inasmuch as Jesus had, a number of weeks prior to this, taken His final departure from Galilee (see on Matthew 19:1, 2), He now must have been in Peraea.

Herod will kill thee. Literally, “Herod is of a mind to kill thee.” It was approximately a year prior to this that Herod had taken the life of John the Baptist (see on Mark 6:14-29). In view of the awe in which Herod held Jesus (see on Matthew 14:1, 2), and his desire to see Him (see Luke 23:8), it is most unlikely that he actually sought Jesus’ life.

Apparently the Pharisees used this device in an attempt to frighten Jesus out of Peraea into Judea, where they could lay hands on Him themselves. For nearly two years the Jewish leaders had been plotting His death (see DA 213, 401; John 11:53, 54, 57; see on Matthew 15:21), and the Jews had recently tried twice to stone Him (see John 8:59; 10:31; 11:8).