Tyndale Open Study NotesJudges 14

Samson, who gets more attention in the book of Judges than any other judge, is more mysterious than Jephthah. Samson shows great inspiration as a leader. He also represents the unstoppable move toward chaos, which shows the need for a more organized society under a godly ruler.

Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman was the Lord's way (Judges 14:4) of starting to address the Philistine threat (see 13:5). One event led to another, marked by three times when the Spirit came strongly upon him (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14). During these events, Samson was a strong but imperfect hero.

Timnah was likely about four miles down the Sorek Valley from Mahaneh-dan, where Israelite and Philistine territories met.

Samson chose his bride based solely on her looks. Marrying outside the covenant was a major sign of unfaithfulness (Joshua 23:12–13), but God can still work through human mistakes.

The term pagan (uncircumcised) was often used for Philistines. Unlike many Middle Eastern nations, they did not practice circumcision.

The spirit first empowered Samson when a lion attacked him (compare Judges 13:25).

The reason for thirty companions is unclear (compare 2 Samuel 23:13). Men, a word that usually means “friends,” might add irony here (Judges 14:12–20).

Riddles were common tests of skill or a form of entertainment that often used double meanings. Although there is some evidence of bees building hives in dead animals, solving the mystery required knowing what Samson knew.

Israel's hero, like Sisera, was defeated by a woman (Judges 4:21; see study note on Judges 8:20–21).

People often answered a riddle with another riddle. In this case, the Philistines used a similar poetic couplet. They did not reveal everything they knew; they just wanted to win the contest.

Samson kept his part of the agreement (compare 1 Samuel 18:20–27). He went home without completing his marriage, which usually happened after the seven-day feast.

According to some ancient customs, giving the bride to the best man was forbidden, even if the marriage was not completed. The father's action seems to have been deceitful (compare Judges 15:2–3, 6).