Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, honey plays a significant role in the account of Samson, particularly in the context of a riddle he poses during his wedding feast. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14. The account of Samson's riddle is a fascinating episode that highlights themes of strength, cunning, and divine intervention.Context and Background Samson, a Nazirite from birth, was chosen by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. His life is marked by extraordinary feats of strength, which are attributed to the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. The account of the riddle occurs when Samson seeks to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah, an action that displeases his parents but is part of God's plan to confront the Philistines. The Encounter with the Lion As Samson travels to Timnah with his parents, he encounters a young lion. Judges 14:6 states, "The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat." This act of strength is performed without his parents' knowledge. The Discovery of Honey Later, when Samson returns to take his bride, he turns aside to see the carcass of the lion. To his surprise, he finds a swarm of bees and honey inside the carcass. Judges 14:8-9 recounts, "After some time, when he returned to marry her, he turned aside to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey. So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass." The Riddle During the wedding feast, Samson poses a riddle to thirty Philistine companions, 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: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet." The riddle is a direct reference to his encounter with the lion and the honey found within its carcass. Resolution and Aftermath The Philistine companions, unable to solve the riddle, coerce Samson's wife into revealing the answer by threatening her and her family. She persuades Samson to disclose the solution, which she then relays to her people. On the seventh day, the men of the city answer Samson, saying, "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" (Judges 14:18). In response to their deceit, the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon Samson once more, and he goes down to Ashkelon, strikes down thirty men, and gives their garments to those who had explained the riddle. This act of retribution marks the beginning of Samson's conflict with the Philistines. Symbolism and Interpretation The riddle of Samson is rich in symbolism. The lion, a symbol of strength and ferocity, becomes a source of sweetness, illustrating the paradoxical nature of God's workings. The honey, emerging from the carcass, signifies unexpected blessings and the fulfillment of God's purposes through unlikely means. This episode underscores the themes of divine providence and the mysterious ways in which God delivers His people. The account of Samson's riddle concerning honey is a testament to the complexity of God's plans and the interplay between human actions and divine will. It serves as a reminder of the strength and sweetness that can emerge from seemingly dire circumstances, reflecting the overarching narrative of redemption found throughout Scripture. Nave's Topical Index Judges 14:14And he said to them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ... Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources Who was Jonathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about prostitution? Will God forgive a prostitute? | GotQuestions.org Honey: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Honey in the Honeycomb Sweetest and Most Valuable Honey was Eaten with the Honeycomb Honey was Eaten: Mixed With Flour Honey: An Article of Merchandise from Palestine Honey: Esteemed a Wholesome Food Honey: First Fruits of, offered to God Honey: Found in Carcases of Dead Animals Honey: Gathered and Prepared by Bees Honey: General Scriptures Concerning Honey: Lips of a Strange Woman Honey: Loathed by Those Who are Full Honey: Moderation Needful in the Use of Honey: Not to be offered With Any Sacrifice Honey: Not to be offered With Sacrifices Honey: Often Sent As a Present Honey: Samson's Riddle Concerning Honey: Sent As a Present by Jacob to Egypt Related Terms |
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