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Delve into the story of Samson and his Philistine wife as a reflection of human behavior, spiritual concerns, and God's plan despite personal failures. Explore the implications of Samson's actions in light of his Nazirite vow and the providential role in fulfilling divine will.
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When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • In this chapter, Samson begins to show conduct that does not match the prayerful requests of his parents 13:8, 12 • Also implied are some problem areas where his behavior seemed to be at odds with his Nazirite vow
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Despite Samson’s bad choices, God would be able to use him in His plan to punish the Philistines • Divine providence is always able to bring about God’s will…despite man’s personal failures Gen 37:3-4 45:4-8
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • First journey to Timnah vv. 1-4 • Samson goes to Timnah (SW from Zorah, toward Philistia…in N Judah) • While there, he saw a Philistine woman v. 1 • He returns home and tells his parents to arrange for her to become his wife v. 2
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • First journey to Timnah vv. 1-4 • His parents object on 2 main points v. 3a (1) Could he not find a wife from among his own relatives, or in all Israel? (2) He should not be selecting a wife from the “uncircumcised Philistines” (a people not in covenant with God)
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • First journey to Timnah vv. 1-4 • His parents object on 2 main points: • They displayed greater spiritual concern than did their son…the one under a Nazirite vow • One could argue this marriage would have violated the Law Deut 7:1-3 Josh 13:3
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • First journey to Timnah vv. 1-4 • Samson persisted…he wanted this woman because “…she looks good to me” v. 3b • Such a carnal reason for marriage indicated a lack of spiritual character…sadly, many marry for the same reason or similar reasons today (wealth, prestige)
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • First journey to Timnah vv. 1-4 • Samson’s identity as a Nazirite should have prevented this desire to marry a Philistine • How would this marriage help him live a “dedicated” or “separate” life? Num 6:2, 6 • Good application to make re: modern N.T. Christians and their prospective marriages
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • First journey to Timnah vv. 1-4 • Samson’s parents were unaware of God’s plans v. 4 • This marriage was “…of the Lord” (part of His providential plan to punish Philistia) • Yet, we should not interpret this to mean this marriage would have Divine approval
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Second journey to Timnah vv. 5-7 • A trip to possibly arrange the marriage • On the way, they obviously separate • A young lion comes upon Samson • “Spirit of the Lord comes on him mightily”… he easily tears it apart bare-handed
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Second journey to Timnah vv. 5-7 • He did not tell his parents what he had done • He contined to desire the young Philistine woman because of her looks
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • He found the lion carcass…inside were bees who had made honey • He took some to eat…he also took some to give to his parents • Again, he did not tell his parents
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • This behavior seems to have been at odds with his Nazirite vow • He touched a dead body Num 6:6 • It appears he may have even violated the Law in an overall sense Lev 11:27
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • In Timnah, Samson gave a “feast” v. 10 • Hebrew word for “feast” = drinking party • Another problem area re: his Nazirite vow • Even if he didn’t drink himself, giving such a feast was not in harmony with the strict provisions of the vow Num 6:3-4
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • In Timnah, Samson gave a “feast” v. 10 • At the very least, Samson used bad judgment • Just because something is “customary” doesn’t mean a child of God must participate and forget about Divine principles 1 Cor 15:33 1 Thess 5:22
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • Samson proposed a “riddle” vv. 12-18 • If they could solve it, he would give them 30 changes of clothing…if they failed, they would have to give him the same • The riddle pertained to the lion & the honey
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • Samson proposed a “riddle” vv. 12-18 • After initially failing, the young men threaten Samson’s wife to tell them…if she would not, they would burn her & her father’s house • She presses Samson until he finally tells her • She in turn informs the young men
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Third journey to Timnah vv. 8-18 • Samson proposed a “riddle” vv. 12-18 • Samson was never fooled by these events… he knew exactly how they got the answer • This provided the “occasion” for which God would use Samson in His battle against the Philistines v. 4
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Samson’s personal revenge vv. 19-20 • Once again, the “Spirit of the Lord” came upon him mightily • In this strength, Samson slew 30 Philistines and used their garments to give to the young men who unethically solved his riddle
Samson’s Philistine Wife Judg 14:1-20 • Samson’s personal revenge vv. 19-20 • His anger burned re: the whole situation • He left his wife and returned home to Zorah • His wife’s father obviously thought he had walked away from the marriage…therefore, he gave her to Samson’s “best man”
