“And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.”
Context:This verse is part of the story of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. In this particular incident, Samson had posed a riddle to the Philistines, who were his enemies. They were unable to solve the riddle and became desperate to find the answer, as they had made a bet with Samson. The men of the city, in an attempt to extract the answer from Samson, resorted to pressuring his wife (who was given to him as part of the Philistine custom) to reveal the secret.
The Riddle:Samson had posed a riddle to the Philistines, asking them to solve it within seven days. The riddle was, “Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.” (Judges 14:14, KJV). It was a metaphorical riddle based on an incident where Samson had encountered a lion and later found honey in its carcass.
The Significance of Honey:Honey is often associated with sweetness, pleasure, and abundance in the Bible. In this context, the sweetness of honey represents the reward or the answer to the riddle that Samson had proposed. The men of the city acknowledged that they desired something sweeter than honey, implying that they wanted the answer to the riddle.
The Strength of a Lion:Lions are regarded as symbols of strength, power, and fierceness. The question posed by the men of the city about what is stronger than a lion indicates their recognition of Samson’s might and prowess. They acknowledged that Samson possessed a strength that surpassed that of a lion.
Samson’s Response:Samson, aware of the pressure being put on his wife, accused the men of the city of plowing with his heifer. The term “plowing with my heifer” is a metaphorical phrase implying that they were using Samson’s wife to coerce him into revealing the answer to the riddle. Samson’s response suggests that he felt deceived and betrayed by his own people, who should have been supportive and loyal to him.
Key Lessons:
The Power of Riddles:Samson’s riddle illustrates the use of riddles as a means of communication or challenging others to think creatively. Riddles can be used to convey deeper truths or test one’s wisdom and discernment.
Loyalty and Trust:Samson’s accusation of plowing with his heifer highlights the importance of trust and loyalty in relationships. It serves as a reminder that betrayal and deceit can erode trust and strain relationships.
Strength and Wisdom:The comparison between honey and a lion in the riddle, and the acknowledgment of Samson’s strength, highlights the extraordinary power and wisdom bestowed upon him by God. It serves as a reminder of the strength and wisdom that can be found in seeking the Lord and relying on His guidance.
Overall, Judges 14:18 emphasises the significance of trust, loyalty, and the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in challenging situations.
