Samson's riddle

Judges Chapter 14

When Samson was in Timnah, he noticed a certain Philistine woman and returned home and told his parents he wished to marry her. They objected, asking him to choose an Israelite woman, not a pagan Philistine wife. But Samson said the Philistine woman was the one he wanted. His parents did not know the Lord was at work, creating an opportunity to disrupt the Philistines who ruled over Israel.

As Samson and his parents were going to Timnah, a young lion attacked Samson and the Spirit of the Lord took control of him. He ripped the lion's jaws apart with his bare hands as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn't tell his parents about the attack. When he talked with the young woman in Timnah, he was pleased with her.

Later, when he returned for the wedding, he turned off the path to find the carcass of the lion he had killed. Instead he found a swarm of honey bees making honey in the carcass. He scooped some up and ate it, and gave some to his parents and they ate it, but he didn't tell them it was taken from the carcass of a lion.

After his father made final arrangements for the marriage, Samson threw a party in Timnah, as was the custom. Thirty young men from the town were invited to be his companions. Samson told them a riddle. "If you solve my riddle in these seven days of celebration, I will give you thirty plain linen robes and thirty fancy robes. But if you can't solve it, then you must give me thirty linen robes and thirty fancy robes." The men all agreed.

Samson's riddle was: "From the one who eats came something to eat; out of the strong came something sweet." Three days later the men were still puzzled by the riddle and on the fourth day they said to Samson's wife, "Get the riddle from your husband or we will burn down your father's house with you in it. Did you invite us to this party just to make us poor?" So Samson's wife came to him in tears and said she doubted his love for her, she thought he hated her because he had not told her the answer to the riddle. "But," said Samson, "I haven't even told my parents the answer, why should I tell you?" So she cried all the while she was with him during the celebration. At last on the seventh day, he told her the answer and she gave the answer to the young men.

Before sunset of the seventh day, the men of the town came to Samson with their answer: "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" Samson said, "If you hadn't plowed with my heifer, you wouldn't have found the answer." Then the Spirit of the Lord took control of him and he went to the town of Ashkelton and killed thirty men, took their belongings and gave their clothing to the men who had answered his riddle. But he was furious and left the woman behind and went back to live with his parents. So his wife was given in marriage to the man who was to be his best man.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Samson's request was in stark contrast to God's law of marrying a Philistine (see Exodus 34:15-17 and Deuteronomy 7:14. Marriage to her would have been a disgrace to his parents, but he father gave in. The Spirit of the Lord refers to the unusual physical strength given Samson by the Lord. The phrase "If you hadn't plowed with my heifer" meant if you had not manipulated my wife. Samson used his special gift from God for selfish purposes. Why God had Samson slay thirty seemingly innocent men, is not known. Perhaps they were part of God's plan to wound the Philistines.

How does this chapter relate to us today? God gives abilities and skills to many people throughout his church. To use these abilities for selfish reasons is to rob the church and fellow believers of strength. As you use the gifts God gave you, ask yourself if you are truly helping others, not just yourself. God knows what is in our hearts and souls, you cannot fool him or manipulate him. He is all powerful and all knowing. Humble yourself and ask his forgiveness for any selfish thing you have done and vow to do better tomorrow.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Logan and the newly born Stella who is taking mother’s milk now and Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family. Update on Stella: She has good days, but is far from out of the woods. Pray for her, please and her parents too.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.