What role does divine wisdom play in understanding riddles in Judges 14:18? Setting the Scene • Samson’s wedding feast in Timnah spans seven days (Judges 14:10–12). • Samson proposes a riddle drawn from his private encounter with the lion and the honey (Judges 14:14). • The Philistine companions are stumped until they coerce Samson’s bride, leading to their answer in Judges 14:18. Verse Spotlight: Judges 14:18 “Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to him, ‘What is sweeter than honey, and what is stronger than a lion?’ And he said to them, ‘If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle.’” Human Cleverness vs. Divine Wisdom • Riddles in Scripture test more than intellect; they probe whether God-given insight is present (Proverbs 1:5–6). • Samson’s riddle hides a literal event only he knows. Its solution requires knowledge beyond natural observation—hinting at the need for revelation. • The Philistines resort to manipulation because they lack spiritual discernment; coercion substitutes for illumination. Divine Wisdom: A Gift Received, Not Achieved • Scripture repeatedly links the solving of mysteries to God’s direct impartation: – “It is God who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously” (James 1:5). • Without divine wisdom, people may hear the words yet miss the meaning (Matthew 13:13). • When Solomon answered the Queen of Sheba’s riddles, the text credits his God-given wisdom (1 Kings 10:1–3). Why the Philistines Failed • They faced a spiritual problem with purely fleshly tools. • Their dependence on intimidation shows spiritual bankruptcy; they neither sought the LORD nor honored Him. • Divine wisdom safeguards truth. Because the Philistines reached the answer dishonestly, they gained no true understanding and provoked judgment (Judges 14:19). Takeaways for Modern Disciples • Seek wisdom from God first; intellect alone is insufficient for divine mysteries. • Discernment protects against deceitful tactics that mimic understanding. • God honors integrity; revelation is granted to those who walk uprightly (Psalm 25:14). • Like Samson’s riddle, Scripture contains depths unlocked only when the Spirit illuminates the text (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). |
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