Judges 14
BSB1 One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. 2 So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife." 3 But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes." 4 (Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.) 5 Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, 6 and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. 7 Then Samson continued on his way down and spoke to the woman, because she was pleasing to his eyes. 8 When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey. 9 So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. 10 Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom. 11 And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him. 12 “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. 13 But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it." 14 So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle. 15 So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?" 16 Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping, and said, “You hate me! You do not really love me! You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me.” “Look,” he said, “I have not even explained it to my father or mother, so why should I explain it to you?" 17 She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. 18 Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” So he said to them: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!" 19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house, 20 and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.
Study Notes — Judges 14
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Judges 14
- Themes from Judges 14
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Judges 14
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Samson going down to Timnah and seeing a Philistine woman whom he wanted to marry, despite his parents' objections (Judges 14:1-4). Samson's desire for this woman was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines (Judges 14:4). Samson then went to the woman, and on his way, he killed a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6). Later, Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines, which they could not solve, and in the process, Samson killed thirty Philistines to pay his debt (Judges 14:12-20). The chapter ends with Samson's wife being given to another man, which led to further conflict between Samson and the Philistines (Judges 14:20).
Context for the Chapter
Judges 14 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which tells the story of Israel's cycles of sin, judgment, and deliverance during the period of the judges. The chapter fits into the story of Samson, who was born to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). The events of Judges 14 set the stage for the conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines, which are a major theme of the book of Judges. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, highlighting God's sovereignty and providence in the life of His people.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when they do not understand the circumstances of their lives. It also warns against disobedience to God's will and the importance of seeking God's counsel in all decisions. As seen in Judges 14:4, God can use even the disobedient actions of His people to accomplish His purposes.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Judges 14 tells the story of Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman, which was against God's will. Despite Samson's disobedience, God used him to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the life of His people. As seen in Judges 14:4, God can use even the disobedient actions of His people to accomplish His purposes.
Voices from the Church
“The fact that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord does not excuse Samson's disobedience, but it does highlight God's sovereignty over all things.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The story of Samson and the Philistines serves as a reminder that God's people are often in conflict with the world, but God is always sovereign and will ultimately deliver His people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Samson's Desire for a Philistine Woman (Judges 14:1-4) — The chapter begins with Samson's desire for a Philistine woman, which was against God's will, but was also from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines.
- Samson Kills a Lion (Judges 14:5-6) — On his way to the woman, Samson killed a lion with his bare hands, demonstrating God's empowerment of Samson despite his disobedience.
- Samson's Riddle (Judges 14:12-14) — Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines, which they could not solve, and in the process, Samson killed thirty Philistines to pay his debt.
- Samson's Wife is Given to Another Man (Judges 14:20) — The chapter ends with Samson's wife being given to another man, which led to further conflict between Samson and the Philistines.
- Conclusion (Judges 14:1-20) — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the life of His people, even when they are disobedient. It sets the stage for the conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines, which are a major theme of the book of Judges.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, even when His people are disobedient. This is evident in Judges 14:4, where it is stated that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord.
- God's Providence
- The chapter also highlights God's providence in the life of His people, even when they are disobedient. This is evident in Judges 14:5-6, where Samson kills a lion with his bare hands, demonstrating God's empowerment of Samson despite his disobedience.
- Disobedience and Consequences
- The chapter warns against disobedience to God's will and the importance of seeking God's counsel in all decisions. Samson's disobedience led to conflict and trouble, highlighting the consequences of disobeying God.
- Deliverance and Salvation
- The chapter points to God's deliverance and salvation of His people, even when they are disobedient. This is evident in Judges 14:4, where it is stated that God was seeking an occasion against the Philistines to deliver Israel.
Lessons from Judges 14
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, even when they do not understand the circumstances of their lives.
- Avoid Disobedience — The chapter warns against disobedience to God's will and the importance of seeking God's counsel in all decisions.
- God's Providence — The chapter highlights God's providence in the life of His people, even when they are disobedient.
- Deliverance and Salvation — The chapter points to God's deliverance and salvation of His people, even when they are disobedient.
- Conflict and Trouble — The chapter warns that disobedience can lead to conflict and trouble, highlighting the consequences of disobeying God.
Themes from Judges 14
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, even when His people are disobedient.
- Disobedience and Consequences — The chapter warns against disobedience to God's will and the importance of seeking God's counsel in all decisions.
- God's Providence — The chapter highlights God's providence in the life of His people, even when they are disobedient.
- Deliverance and Salvation — The chapter points to God's deliverance and salvation of His people, even when they are disobedient.
- Conflict and Trouble — The chapter warns that disobedience can lead to conflict and trouble, highlighting the consequences of disobeying God.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Samson's disobedience to God's will, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the chapter highlight God's sovereignty and providence in the life of His people?
- What role does the Philistine woman play in the chapter, and what can we learn from her character?
- How does the chapter set the stage for the conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines, and what can we learn from these conflicts?
- What can we learn from Samson's riddle, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Samson's Story (Judges 14:1-4)
| 14:1 | The chapter begins with Samson's desire for a Philistine woman, which was against God's will, but was also from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. |
| 14:2 | Samson's parents did not understand why Samson wanted to marry a Philistine woman, but Samson insisted on marrying her. |
| 14:3 | Samson's parents tried to persuade him to marry an Israelite woman, but Samson refused. |
| 14:4 | The fact that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord highlights God's sovereignty over all things. |
2. Samson Kills a Lion (Judges 14:5-6)
| 14:5 | On his way to the woman, Samson killed a lion with his bare hands, demonstrating God's empowerment of Samson despite his disobedience. |
| 14:6 | The Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands. |
3. Samson's Riddle (Judges 14:12-14)
| 14:12 | Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines, which they could not solve, and in the process, Samson killed thirty Philistines to pay his debt. |
| 14:13 | The Philistines could not solve the riddle, and they threatened to burn Samson's wife and her father if they did not tell them the answer. |
| 14:14 | Samson's wife told the Philistines the answer to the riddle, and they solved it, but Samson killed thirty Philistines to pay his debt. |
4. Samson's Wife is Given to Another Man (Judges 14:20)
| 14:20 | The chapter ends with Samson's wife being given to another man, which led to further conflict between Samson and the Philistines. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Samson's disobedience to God's will?
We can learn that disobedience to God's will can lead to conflict and trouble, but God is always sovereign and can use even the disobedient actions of His people to accomplish His purposes. (Judges 14:4)
How does the chapter highlight God's sovereignty and providence in the life of His people?
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the life of His people through the story of Samson and the Philistines. Despite Samson's disobedience, God used him to deliver Israel from the Philistines. (Judges 14:4, 5-6)
What role does the Philistine woman play in the chapter?
The Philistine woman plays a significant role in the chapter, as she is the object of Samson's desire and the catalyst for the events that unfold. Her character highlights the complexities of relationships between believers and unbelievers.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 14:4 → Proverbs 21:1 | The fact that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord highlights God's sovereignty over all things, just as the king's heart is in the Lord's hand in Proverbs 21:1. |
| 2 | Judges 14:5-6 → 1 Samuel 17:34-37 | The story of Samson killing a lion with his bare hands is reminiscent of David's victory over the lion and the bear in 1 Samuel 17:34-37, highlighting God's empowerment of His people. |
| 3 | Judges 14:12-14 → Ecclesiastes 7:19 | The story of Samson's riddle and the Philistines' inability to solve it highlights the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7:19, which states that wisdom is better than strength. |
| 4 | Judges 14:20 → Deuteronomy 7:3-4 | The fact that Samson's wife was given to another man highlights the importance of obeying God's command not to intermarry with the nations, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. |
| 5 | Judges 14:1-4 → Matthew 1:21 | The story of Samson's birth and his role as a deliverer of Israel is reminiscent of the story of Jesus' birth and His role as the Savior of the world, as stated in Matthew 1:21. |
| 6 | Judges 14:4 → Isaiah 46:10 | The fact that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord highlights God's sovereignty over all things, just as Isaiah 46:10 states that God's counsel will stand and He will accomplish all His purpose. |
| 7 | Judges 14:5-6 → Psalm 144:1 | The story of Samson killing a lion with his bare hands is reminiscent of the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 144:1 that God is his rock and his salvation, highlighting God's empowerment of His people. |
| 8 | Judges 14:12-14 → Proverbs 24:10 | The story of Samson's riddle and the Philistines' inability to solve it highlights the wisdom of Proverbs 24:10, which states that if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. |
| 9 | Judges 14:20 → Malachi 2:11-12 | The fact that Samson's wife was given to another man highlights the importance of faithfulness in marriage, as stated in Malachi 2:11-12. |
| 10 | Judges 14:1-4 → John 1:1 | The story of Samson's birth and his role as a deliverer of Israel is reminiscent of the story of Jesus' birth and His role as the Savior of the world, as stated in John 1:1. |
Sermons on Judges 14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit |
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Living for Jesus in a Modern Babylon - 2 by Freddy Bafuka | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and his three friends who resolved not to defile themselves in Babylon. Despite facing tests and temptations, they remain |
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Samson #2 - First Warfare by Andrew Foster | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking sin lightly and avoiding the temptation to pursue revival and deliverance in our own terms. He refers to the st |
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The History, Mystery and Tragedy of Samson - Part 4 by Ian Paisley | This sermon delves into the life of Samson, focusing on the lessons learned from his associations and the consequences of his choices. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding dang |
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When Jesus Is King by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of having Jesus as King in our lives, contrasting the chaotic times of the Judges with the unity and devotion of the early Christians in Acts. |
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The Lion by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the symbolism of the lion in the Bible, highlighting its strength, boldness, and predatory nature as described in various verses. The lion is portrayed |
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The Bee by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the analogy of bees to emphasize the importance of diligence, order, and obedience in our lives. Just as bees work diligently under the leadership of their que |
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Freedom From Perpetual Backsliding by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve the Lord effectively, drawing examples from the judges in the book of Judges. He emphasizes the |
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It Will Suck Sweetness Out of Every Flower by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of faith, describing it as the key that unlocks paradise and floods the soul with joy. He illustrates how faith appropriates God's |
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Oneness With God in the Heavenly Nature of Everything (Continued) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of oneness with God through the experiences of Abraham, illustrating how the Old Testament figures, despite their mistakes, were part of a div |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 14
Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 14 highlights the sovereignty of God in the life of Samson, despite his disobedience. Henry notes that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's providence, even when we do not understand the circumstances of our lives. The commentary also highlights the wisdom of avoiding disobedience to God's will and the importance of seeking God's counsel in all decisions. Henry concludes that the chapter points to the deliverance and salvation of God's people, even when they are disobedient, and that God can use even the disobedient actions of His people to accomplish His purposes. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the events that unfolded, even when the human characters did not understand God's plan. This is evident in Judges 14:4, where it is stated that Samson's desire for the Philistine woman was from the Lord.
Samson's Disobedience
Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman, despite his parents' objections, showcases his disobedience to God's will and his parents' counsel. This is seen in Judges 14:1-3, where Samson insists on marrying the woman.
God's Providence
The chapter also highlights God's providence in the life of His people, even when they are disobedient. This is evident in Judges 14:5-6, where Samson kills a lion with his bare hands, demonstrating God's empowerment of Samson despite his disobedience.