Judges 14:1-20
Q.1. What was wrong with Samson’s choice of a wife? What was behind his plans? In what way was Samson an unusual man? How did the Spirit operate in these days? – (Jdgs.14:1-9)
Israel was oppressed by the Philistines (Jdgs.14:10). When the passionate young Samson fell in love with a Philistine woman, his parents tried to dissuade him (Jdgs.14:1-3). However, they did not realise – … that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines (Jdgs.14:4). It is recorded that – the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily (Jdgs.14:6, 19; 15:14). However, this was not like the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost since Samson was a very carnal person at times. One day he was attacked by a lion. Samson easily overcame it. Most people would boast of such a feat, but Samson didn’t even tell his parents (Jdgs.14:5-6). After developing his romance with the Philistine woman, he returned home only to discover that a swarm of bees had settled in the lion carcass and had made honey (Jdgs.14:7-9). He turned the incident into a riddle.
Q.2. How did his party go? What riddle did Samson compose? How did the men get the answer? What was the outcome for him and the Philistines? – (Jdgs.14:10-20)
Samson decided to marry the Philistine woman from Timnah. According to the custom, thirty Philistine companions were invited to join Samson in the Wedding celebrations (Jdgs.14:11, 20). He then proposed this riddle – Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet (Jdgs.14:14). He gave them seven days, and the winner would receive thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes (Jdgs.14:12-13). The men could not work out the riddle, and only succeeded after threatening Samson’s wife with a fiery retribution (Jdgs.14:15). She pestered him for the answer until he gave in. She then told the men, and they won the wager (Jdgs.14:16-18). The Spirit of God then came mightily upon Samson, and he slew thirty men from the Philistine city of Ashkelon. He stripped their clothes and gave them to his wife’s companions, before returning home to his parents in a rage (Jdgs.14:19). His wife was then foolishly given to his companion and friend. This would have far-reaching consequences.