Overview
Judges 14 features the start of Samson's adventures, marked by his marriage to a Philistine woman and a riddle he proposes at their wedding feast, which becomes a source of conflict. This chapter highlights the complexity of Samson's character and his interactions with the Philistines. Key aspects include:
Samson’s Desire to Marry a Philistine: Samson sees a Philistine woman in Timnah and desires to marry her, despite his parents’ objections. They do not know that this is part of the LORD’s plan to confront the Philistines.
Samson Kills a Lion: On his way to Timnah, Samson is attacked by a lion. The Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon him, and he tears the lion apart with his bare hands.
The Riddle at the Wedding Feast: At the wedding feast, Samson proposes a riddle to the Philistine guests, offering them thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes if they can solve it within seven days. The riddle is based on his encounter with the lion and the discovery of a swarm of bees and honey in its carcass.
Philistines Coerce Samson’s Wife: Unable to solve the riddle, the Philistines threaten Samson’s wife, forcing her to coax the answer from Samson. On the seventh day, she reveals the answer to her people.
Samson’s Anger and Actions: In anger at being betrayed, Samson goes to Ashkelon, kills thirty men, and gives their clothes to those who solved the riddle. He then returns to his father's house in a rage, leaving his wife.
Samson’s Wife Given to Another: Samson’s wife is given to one of his companions, further escalating tensions between Samson and the Philistines.
Judges 14 portrays Samson as a figure of immense physical strength but also shows his personal flaws and complexities. His actions, driven by personal desires and emotions, set off a series of events that further entangle him with the Philistines. The chapter also hints at the divine orchestration behind these events, as part of the larger plan to challenge the Philistines' dominance over Israel.