“And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of time in Israel’s history when they were ruled by judges who delivered them from oppression and led them in times of peace. Judges 14 records the account of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. Samson was known for his exceptional physical strength, but he also had a weakness for women. In this particular verse, Samson’s first encounter with his Philistine wife takes place.
The Feast and the Riddle:Samson attended a seven-day wedding feast organised by the Philistines, a people group with whom the Israelites often had conflicts. During this feast, Samson presented a riddle to the Philistine guests. The riddle challenged them to solve it within the duration of the feast, and Samson offered a reward of thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes to those who could unravel the riddle (Judges 14:12-13).
The Woman’s Manipulation:Samson’s wife was a Philistine, and she was approached by her people to find out the answer to the riddle and inform them. The woman used her influence over Samson to coax him into revealing the answer. She wept and pleaded with him for seven days, which eventually wore him down, leading him to disclose the secret (Judges 14:16-17).
Samson’s Weakness:Samson’s decision to reveal the riddle to his wife showcased his weakness for women. He had previously been warned by his parents not to marry outside of their own people, but he disregarded their counsel (Judges 14:3). Samson’s infatuation with foreign women, particularly those from the Philistines, ultimately led to his downfall.
Lessons from Judges 14:17:
The danger of compromise:Samson compromised his integrity and loyalty to his people by marrying a Philistine woman. This compromise eventually led to him revealing the secret of the riddle and jeopardized his purpose as a judge in Israel. This serves as a reminder to believers today to be cautious of compromising their values and convictions.
The power of manipulation:Samson’s wife used her emotions and persistence to manipulate him into revealing the answer to the riddle. This illustrates the potential for manipulation in relationships. It reminds us to exercise discernment and wisdom in our interactions with others, guarding against being swayed by emotional manipulation.
The consequences of disobedience:Samson’s disobedience to the commandments of God, as well as the counsel of his parents, resulted in negative consequences. His marriage to a Philistine woman brought about conflicts and eventually led to his tragic end. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the guidance of wise counsel in our lives.
Recognising and overcoming weaknesses:Samson’s weakness for women was exploited by his wife, leading to his downfall. It is crucial for individuals to identify and address their weaknesses, seeking God’s strength to overcome them. We should rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to resist temptations and avoid situations that may compromise our faith.
In conclusion, Judges 14:17 presents a significant episode in Samson’s life that highlights the dangers of compromise, the power of manipulation, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of recognising and overcoming weaknesses. It serves as a valuable lesson for believers today, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to be vigilant against compromising their convictions.
