“But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.”
In this verse, we find a part of the story of Samson, who was one of the judges of Israel. Samson was known for his great physical strength, which was granted to him by God. This particular verse is set during Samson’s wedding feast.
Prior to this verse, Samson had proposed a riddle to the thirty Philistine companions who were attending the feast. He challenged them to solve the riddle within seven days. If they succeeded, he would give them thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. However, if they failed to solve the riddle, they would have to provide him with the same amount of clothing.
The challenge set by Samson was more than a simple riddle. It had a deeper significance and was a test of wit and intelligence. Let’s explore the context and meaning of this passage:
The Context:Samson, being an Israelite, was not supposed to marry a Philistine woman according to the Law of Moses. However, he was attracted to a Philistine woman from Timnah and desired her as his wife. Against the advice of his parents, he insisted on pursuing this marriage.
The Riddle:Samson’s riddle was a play on words related to a remarkable event that happened to him. The riddle went as follows: “Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.” The answer to the riddle was a honeycomb found in the carcass of a lion. This was an extraordinary event that occurred in Samson’s life, and he turned it into a riddle to test the Philistines’ wisdom.
The Challenge and the Consequence:The Philistine companions, feeling challenged and desiring the reward, attempted to discover the answer to the riddle. However, they were unable to solve it within the allotted time. Realizing that they were on the verge of failure, they approached Samson’s wife and persuaded her to extract the answer from Samson.
The Outcome:Samson’s wife persisted and managed to get the answer from him. She then informed the Philistines of the solution. On the last day of the feast, the Philistines approached Samson with the correct answer, having acquired the information through deceit. Samson, realizing he had been tricked, became angry and went down to a Philistine city, where he killed thirty men to fulfill his end of the agreement, giving them the promised clothing.
This passage provides insights into Samson’s character and the challenges he faced due to his desire for a Philistine wife. It also demonstrates the consequences of his actions and the fulfillment of his agreement. Ultimately, this event was the beginning of a series of conflicts between Samson and the Philistines, leading to the eventual downfall of Samson and his triumph over the enemies of Israel.
It is worth noting that while Samson possessed great physical strength, he often struggled with moral and emotional weaknesses. This story serves as a reminder that even those with remarkable gifts can fall prey to their own flaws and the consequences of their choices.
By studying this passage, we can reflect on the importance of making wise choices, being aware of the consequences of our actions, and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives.
