In the cultural and religious context of the Bible, feasts were not only occasions for communal gathering and celebration but also served as settings for intellectual and spiritual engagement. One of the intriguing aspects of these gatherings was the propounding of riddles, a practice that is documented in the Scriptures and reflects the rich oral traditions of the ancient Near East.

Samson's Riddle at the Wedding Feast

The most notable instance of a riddle being propounded at a feast is found in the account of Samson, as recorded in the Book of Judges. During his wedding feast, Samson presents a riddle to his Philistine guests, offering a wager of thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes if they can solve it within seven days. The riddle, found in Judges 14:14, is as follows: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet." This riddle is rooted in Samson's personal experience with a lion he had previously killed and later found bees and honey in its carcass.

The Philistine guests, unable to solve the riddle, coerce Samson's wife into extracting the answer from him. She succeeds, and the guests answer the riddle, prompting Samson to fulfill his wager by slaying thirty Philistines to obtain the garments. This event sets off a chain of conflicts between Samson and the Philistines, illustrating the potential for riddles to serve as catalysts for larger narratives and moral lessons.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Riddles at feasts were more than mere entertainment; they were a means of demonstrating wisdom and understanding. In the ancient world, the ability to solve riddles was often associated with intelligence and insight. The use of riddles in the biblical narrative underscores the value placed on wisdom and the discernment of hidden truths, themes that are prevalent throughout Scripture.

Theologically, the propounding of riddles can be seen as a metaphor for the mysteries of God and the pursuit of divine wisdom. Just as riddles require contemplation and insight to be understood, so too does the Word of God invite believers to seek deeper understanding and revelation. Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out," highlighting the divine invitation to explore and uncover the truths hidden within God's creation and revelation.

Riddles in the Broader Biblical Context

While Samson's riddle is the most explicit example, the Bible contains other instances where riddles or enigmatic sayings are used to convey deeper truths. The parables of Jesus, for instance, often function as riddles, challenging listeners to discern their meaning and apply them to their lives. In Matthew 13:10-11 , Jesus explains to His disciples, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them," indicating that understanding requires spiritual insight.

In summary, the propounding of riddles at feasts in the Bible serves as a reflection of the cultural practices of the time and as a vehicle for conveying spiritual truths. These riddles invite participants to engage with the mysteries of life and faith, encouraging a pursuit of wisdom that aligns with the biblical call to seek understanding and knowledge of God.Judges 14:12
And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you: if you 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:
Nave's Topical Index

The Iranian Conquest
... Zoroaster allowed him, however, no time to complete his plans: he rose up, and
undismayed by the malicious riddles propounded to him by his adversary, advanced ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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