Topical Bible: Lion: Samson's Riddle Concerning

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In the biblical narrative, the account of Samson's riddle concerning the lion is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14. This account is a significant episode in the life of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, known for his extraordinary strength and complex character. The riddle is a pivotal moment that showcases both Samson's wit and the divine empowerment that marks his life.

Context and Background

Samson, a Nazirite from birth, was chosen by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. His life is characterized by feats of strength and episodes of personal conflict. The account of the riddle begins when Samson desires to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah, which displeases his parents. However, the Scripture notes that this was "from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines" (Judges 14:4).

The Encounter with the Lion

As Samson travels to Timnah with his parents, he encounters a young lion. The Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon him, and he tears the lion apart with his bare hands, as one might tear a young goat (Judges 14:5-6). This act is a testament to the supernatural strength bestowed upon him by God. Notably, Samson does not disclose this event to his parents.

The Riddle

Later, when Samson returns to take his bride, he turns aside to see the lion's carcass and discovers a swarm of bees and honey inside it. He eats some of the honey and shares it with his parents, again without revealing the source (Judges 14:8-9).

During the wedding feast, Samson poses a riddle to thirty Philistine companions: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). The riddle is a clever play on his earlier encounter with the lion, where the "eater" (the lion) produced something to eat (honey), and the "strong" (the lion) yielded something sweet (honey).

The Resolution

The Philistine companions, unable to solve the riddle, coerce Samson's wife into extracting the answer from him. She weeps and pleads with Samson until he reveals the solution, which she then discloses to her people. On the seventh day of the feast, the men of the city answer Samson: "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" (Judges 14:18).

In response to their betrayal, the Spirit of the LORD again empowers Samson, and he goes to Ashkelon, where he strikes down thirty men, takes their belongings, and gives their garments to those who had solved the riddle. This act of retribution marks the beginning of Samson's direct conflict with the Philistines (Judges 14:19).

Significance

Samson's riddle concerning the lion is more than a mere intellectual challenge; it is a reflection of the enigmatic and paradoxical nature of his life and mission. The episode underscores the themes of divine providence, human weakness, and the interplay between personal vendettas and God's overarching plan for Israel. Through this narrative, the sovereignty of God is evident, as He uses even the flawed actions of His chosen servant to fulfill His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 14:14,18
And 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 ...
... day, whereon they were to expound the riddle proposed to ... said, "Nothing is more
disagreeable than a lion to those ... make use of it." To which Samson made this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Did on the seventh day to her unfold The riddle, which she ... sun went down on that
same day, The Philistines to Samson thus did ... What more strong Than is a lion? ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... For as concerning his masses, prayers for the dead, images, pilgrimages, monkish
vows, sinful fasts, and the ... Here [shall they say] did once the lion dwell; and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... honey that couches in the carcass of the slain Lion of the ... he would enable us to
plough with our spiritual Samson's heifer to expound the riddle, and thus ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm