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Judges 14

20 verses

TL;DR

Samson encounters a lion, finds honey, marries a Philistine woman, and later uses a riddle to claim gifts, leading to conflict and violence.

Summary

Samson goes to Timnath and expresses a desire to marry a Philistine woman, which his parents reluctantly consent to despite their objections. While there, a lion roars at him, and the Spirit of the LORD empowers Samson to kill it with his bare hands. He later discovers honey inside the carcass, which he shares with his parents. At a feast, Samson presents a riddle to thirty Philistine men, promising gifts if they solve it within a week. Unable to solve it, the men turn to Samson's wife for help; she eventually tells them the answer. The Philistines, enraged, attack, and Samson kills thirty men with the help of the Spirit, taking spoils and gifts. Samson’s wife is later given to a companion of his.

Outline
  1. Samson’s pursuit of a Philistine bride and the lion encounter
  2. Discovery of honey and the feast
  3. The riddle contest and subsequent conflict
Themes
Conflict between Israel and PhilistinesThe use of divine empowerment and the SpiritDeception and consequences of pride
Keywords
lionhoneyriddleSpiritfeastPhilistinesgiftconflict
People
SamsonSamson’s fatherSamson’s motherWoman of TimnathSamson’s wifeThirty Philistine companionsMen of the cityCompanion who receives Samson’s wife
Places
TimnathVineyards of TimnathAshkelon
Things
LionBeesHoneyRiddleThirty sheets of clothingThirty changes of garmentsSpirit of the LORDFeast
Key Verses
  • Judges 14:5: Shows divine empowerment as Samson kills a lion.
  • Judges 14:8: Introduces the symbolic honey and foreshadows deception.
  • Judges 14:14: Highlights Samson’s use of a riddle to assert dominance.
  • Judges 14:19: Demonstrates conflict escalation and the role of the Spirit.
Questions
  • Why did Samson choose a Philistine bride, and what does this reveal about his character?
  • What is the significance of the honey found in the lion’s carcass?
  • How does the riddle reflect Samson’s relationship with the Philistines?
  • What role does the Spirit of the LORD play in Samson’s actions?
  • What consequences arise from Samson’s pride and conflict with the Philistines?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both divine empowerment and violent conflict.