“And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments.”
This verse is part of the narrative that describes an event in the life of Samson, who was one of the judges of Israel during the period of the Judges. Samson possessed extraordinary physical strength, which God granted him to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines.
In this particular passage, Samson is attending a wedding feast in Timnath, a Philistine town. He proposes a riddle to thirty Philistine companions who were present at the feast. The riddle presents a challenge, as Samson promises to reward them with thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothing if they can solve it within the seven days of the feast.
The riddle itself is mentioned in the following verses (Judges 14:13-14), where Samson says:
“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. And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.”
The riddle is a metaphorical description of an event that Samson had witnessed earlier. He had encountered a lion, which he subsequently killed. Later, when he returned to the lion’s carcass, he found bees and honey inside it. The riddle plays on this event, challenging the Philistines to discern the answer.
This passage raises several points for reflection and consideration. Here are a few key aspects:
Samson’s riddle:Samson’s riddle showcases his cleverness and wit. It reveals his desire for a challenge and his confidence in his own abilities. However, it also highlights his somewhat provocative nature, as he poses the riddle to Philistines, who were often adversaries of the Israelites.
Samson’s relationship with the Philistines:Samson’s relationship with the Philistines demonstrates a complex relationship. As a judge of Israel, he was called to deliver his people from Philistine oppression. Yet, he seems to interact with them on occasions, perhaps to further his purpose or exploit their weaknesses.
The significance of the riddle:The significance of the riddle carries symbolic meaning. The lion represents strength and the eater, while the honey represents sweetness. It illustrates that something positive can arise from what appears to be negative or destructive. This idea can be seen as a foreshadowing of Samson’s future exploits against the Philistines, as God uses his strength to bring about deliverance for Israel.
Lessons on integrity:Lessons on integrity Samson proposes a wager based on his riddle, promising a reward if the Philistines can solve it. This episode raises questions about honesty, integrity, and the ethics of making wagers or using riddles as a means of testing or provoking others.
Overall, Judges 14:12 and the subsequent verses depict an intriguing episode in the life of Samson, offering insights into his character and his relationship with the Philistines. It also invites us to reflect on the importance of integrity and the potential for positive outcomes from seemingly negative situations.
