“And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.”
Context:The book of Judges recounts the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the nation was ruled by various judges raised up by God to deliver them from their enemies. Judges 14 narrates the story of Samson, one of the judges, and his encounter with a lion.
Samson’s riddle:Prior to the events in verse 8, Samson had slain a lion on his way to Timnah, a Philistine city. In verses 12-14, Samson poses a riddle to the Philistine men at his wedding feast, saying, “Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.” The riddle referred to the encounter with the lion and the discovery of honey in its carcass.
The symbolism of the lion:In the Bible, the lion is often associated with strength, power, and ferocity. Samson’s killing of the lion demonstrated his physical prowess and divine empowerment. However, the lion’s carcass also represented a source of potential defilement according to Jewish law, as touching a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 11:27).
The swarm of bees and honey:When Samson returned to the carcass of the lion, he discovered a swarm of bees and honey within it. This was a remarkable sight, as it went against the natural order of things. Bees typically build hives in trees or other sheltered places, not in carcasses.
Symbolic significance:The presence of the swarm of bees and honey in the lion’s carcass held symbolic meaning. It illustrated God’s ability to bring forth sweetness and provision even from that which was unclean or seemingly impossible. The lion’s death, representing judgment and destruction, became a source of nourishment and delight.
Lessons for believers:
- God can bring blessings from unexpected sources:Just as the bees produced honey in an unusual location, God has the power to provide for His people in surprising ways. We should trust in His ability to bring goodness into our lives, even when circumstances appear unfavorable.
- God can turn the seemingly negative into something positive:The lion’s carcass, which could have been viewed as an undesirable situation, became a source of sweetness. Similarly, God can transform our trials and challenges into opportunities for growth, blessing, and testimony.
- God’s power transcends human limitations:The supernatural occurrence of bees in the lion’s carcass reminds us that God’s power surpasses natural laws. He can work beyond our understanding and accomplish great things that defy human logic or reasoning.
- We should seek spiritual insight and discernment:Samson’s decision to turn aside and observe the lion’s carcass led to the discovery of the honey. Likewise, we should cultivate a spirit of attentiveness to God’s leading and be open to observing and understanding the deeper spiritual truths and lessons He wants to reveal to us.
