When The Judges Ruled Israel

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”

When The Judges Ruled Israel