And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.
Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well.
And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.
And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.
So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.
And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.
And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.
And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so?
And Samson’s wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father’s house.
But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
Judges 14 tells a complex and often troubling story within the larger narrative of the book of Judges. This chapter showcases Samson's flawed character and impulsive decisions, yet it also reveals God's sovereign hand working through these very imperfections to initiate deliverance for Israel from the Philistines. It's a potent reminder that God can use a person in spite of himself.
Context: A Leap into Adulthood and a Demand for a Philistine Wife
This chapter jumps ahead from Samson's birth and early Nazirite dedication (Judges 13:5, 24–25) to a time when he is a young adult. We find him drawn to a Philistine woman in Timnah and demanding that his parents arrange a marriage. This sets in motion a series of events involving a riddle, a wager, betrayal, and violent retribution. The chapter concludes with Samson's bride being given to another man, setting the stage for further conflict in Judges 15.
Samson's Unconventional Choice (Judges 14:1-4)
Samson, a man set apart for God's service from birth, makes a series of questionable choices. His initial desire to marry a Philistine woman immediately raises concerns. He travels from Zorah to Timnah, sees a Philistine woman, and insists to his parents that they secure her for him as his wife (Judges 14:1-3). His parents rightly object, questioning why he can't find a wife among his own people. They suggest he marry an Israelite woman. While the Philistines weren't explicitly listed among the forbidden nations of Deuteronomy 7:1-4, the spirit of the law discouraged marriage outside the faith. These surrounding nations didn't worship the One True God, and similarly, believers should not be partners with unbelievers (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). Christians should marry only Christians. A couple that is unequally yoked is likely to run into trouble.
Samson dismisses their concerns, driven by his own desires. "Get her for me," he insists, "because she pleases my eye" (Judges 14:3). This reveals a self-centeredness that seems at odds with his calling.
However, the narrative then offers a crucial insight: "His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel" (Judges 14:4). This doesn't excuse Samson's poor judgment, but it highlights God's providential hand. God, in His sovereignty, uses Samson's fascination with this woman to create an opportunity to deliver his people. God was providentially working uniquely in Samson’s circumstances to accomplish his purposes.
It's important to note that this passage should not be used to justify marrying an unbeliever. Samson's parents were right to be concerned, and the principle of marrying within the faith remains a wise and biblically sound principle.
The Lion, the Honey, and the Riddle (Judges 14:5-14)
On his way to Timnah to arrange the wedding, Samson encounters a young lion. The Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him, and he tears the lion apart with his bare hands (Judges 14:6). This supernatural strength is a sign that he had been elected and empowered by God for a supernatural purpose.
Later, he returns to the site of the kill and discovers a beehive in the lion's carcass. He takes the honey and eats it, even sharing it with his parents without telling them its source (Judges 14:8-9). This act raises questions about Samson's adherence to ritual purity laws, as contact with a dead animal was considered unclean. He blatantly ignored the law of Moses regarding unclean foods and took some of the honey.
At the wedding feast, Samson proposes a riddle to thirty Philistine companions: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). The prize for answering the riddle within a week would be thirty changes of clothes (Judges 14:12). (In biblical days, an additional set of clothing was a sign of honor and dignity.) The riddle is based on his personal experience with the lion and the honey, making it impossible for anyone else to solve without inside knowledge. This sets the stage for the deception and violence that follow.
Betrayal and Retribution (Judges 14:15-20)
When the Philistines can't solve the riddle, they threaten Samson's bride and her family. Frightened, she pressures Samson to reveal the answer, and he eventually gives in after days of her persistent nagging (Judges 14:15-17).
When the Philistines correctly answer the riddle, Samson knows he has been betrayed. "If you had not plowed with my heifer," he retorts, "you would not have solved my riddle" (Judges 14:18).
Fueled by anger and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Samson goes to Ashkelon, kills thirty Philistine men, and takes their garments to pay off the wager (Judges 14:19). After that, he returned home—without his wife (Judges 14:19-20). The chapter concludes with Samson returning home in anger, leaving his bride behind. Her father, assuming Samson won't return, gives her to one of the wedding attendants. This act of betrayal and disrespect will fuel Samson's future acts of revenge.
God's Purpose Amidst Human Weakness
Judges 14 highlights the tension between human fallibility and divine purpose. Samson's character flaws—his impulsiveness, selfishness, and disregard for God's law—are readily apparent. Yet, God uses these very flaws to initiate his plan to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The Lord had warned his people not to intermarry with the surrounding nations because they didn’t worship the One True God (see Deuteronomy 7:1-3).
This chapter serves as a reminder that God's plans are not always thwarted by human weakness. He can work through imperfect people and challenging circumstances to accomplish His purposes. However, it also underscores the importance of seeking God's will and striving to live a life that honors Him, rather than simply following our own desires. Samson's story is a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked passions and a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God.
And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.
Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well.
And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.
And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.
So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.
And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.
And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.
And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so?
And Samson’s wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father’s house.
But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
Judges 14 tells a complex and often troubling story within the larger narrative of the book of Judges. This chapter showcases Samson's flawed character and impulsive decisions, yet it also reveals God's sovereign hand working through these very imperfections to initiate deliverance for Israel from the Philistines. It's a potent reminder that God can use a person in spite of himself.
Context: A Leap into Adulthood and a Demand for a Philistine Wife
This chapter jumps ahead from Samson's birth and early Nazirite dedication (Judges 13:5, 24–25) to a time when he is a young adult. We find him drawn to a Philistine woman in Timnah and demanding that his parents arrange a marriage. This sets in motion a series of events involving a riddle, a wager, betrayal, and violent retribution. The chapter concludes with Samson's bride being given to another man, setting the stage for further conflict in Judges 15.
Samson's Unconventional Choice (Judges 14:1-4)
Samson, a man set apart for God's service from birth, makes a series of questionable choices. His initial desire to marry a Philistine woman immediately raises concerns. He travels from Zorah to Timnah, sees a Philistine woman, and insists to his parents that they secure her for him as his wife (Judges 14:1-3). His parents rightly object, questioning why he can't find a wife among his own people. They suggest he marry an Israelite woman. While the Philistines weren't explicitly listed among the forbidden nations of Deuteronomy 7:1-4, the spirit of the law discouraged marriage outside the faith. These surrounding nations didn't worship the One True God, and similarly, believers should not be partners with unbelievers (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). Christians should marry only Christians. A couple that is unequally yoked is likely to run into trouble.
Samson dismisses their concerns, driven by his own desires. "Get her for me," he insists, "because she pleases my eye" (Judges 14:3). This reveals a self-centeredness that seems at odds with his calling.
However, the narrative then offers a crucial insight: "His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel" (Judges 14:4). This doesn't excuse Samson's poor judgment, but it highlights God's providential hand. God, in His sovereignty, uses Samson's fascination with this woman to create an opportunity to deliver his people. God was providentially working uniquely in Samson’s circumstances to accomplish his purposes.
It's important to note that this passage should not be used to justify marrying an unbeliever. Samson's parents were right to be concerned, and the principle of marrying within the faith remains a wise and biblically sound principle.
The Lion, the Honey, and the Riddle (Judges 14:5-14)
On his way to Timnah to arrange the wedding, Samson encounters a young lion. The Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him, and he tears the lion apart with his bare hands (Judges 14:6). This supernatural strength is a sign that he had been elected and empowered by God for a supernatural purpose.
Later, he returns to the site of the kill and discovers a beehive in the lion's carcass. He takes the honey and eats it, even sharing it with his parents without telling them its source (Judges 14:8-9). This act raises questions about Samson's adherence to ritual purity laws, as contact with a dead animal was considered unclean. He blatantly ignored the law of Moses regarding unclean foods and took some of the honey.
At the wedding feast, Samson proposes a riddle to thirty Philistine companions: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). The prize for answering the riddle within a week would be thirty changes of clothes (Judges 14:12). (In biblical days, an additional set of clothing was a sign of honor and dignity.) The riddle is based on his personal experience with the lion and the honey, making it impossible for anyone else to solve without inside knowledge. This sets the stage for the deception and violence that follow.
Betrayal and Retribution (Judges 14:15-20)
When the Philistines can't solve the riddle, they threaten Samson's bride and her family. Frightened, she pressures Samson to reveal the answer, and he eventually gives in after days of her persistent nagging (Judges 14:15-17).
When the Philistines correctly answer the riddle, Samson knows he has been betrayed. "If you had not plowed with my heifer," he retorts, "you would not have solved my riddle" (Judges 14:18).
Fueled by anger and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Samson goes to Ashkelon, kills thirty Philistine men, and takes their garments to pay off the wager (Judges 14:19). After that, he returned home—without his wife (Judges 14:19-20). The chapter concludes with Samson returning home in anger, leaving his bride behind. Her father, assuming Samson won't return, gives her to one of the wedding attendants. This act of betrayal and disrespect will fuel Samson's future acts of revenge.
God's Purpose Amidst Human Weakness
Judges 14 highlights the tension between human fallibility and divine purpose. Samson's character flaws—his impulsiveness, selfishness, and disregard for God's law—are readily apparent. Yet, God uses these very flaws to initiate his plan to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The Lord had warned his people not to intermarry with the surrounding nations because they didn’t worship the One True God (see Deuteronomy 7:1-3).
This chapter serves as a reminder that God's plans are not always thwarted by human weakness. He can work through imperfect people and challenging circumstances to accomplish His purposes. However, it also underscores the importance of seeking God's will and striving to live a life that honors Him, rather than simply following our own desires. Samson's story is a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked passions and a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God.