In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges, the account of Samson presents a unique instance where a riddle is used as a test of wit during a wedding feast. This event is recorded in Judges 14 and highlights both the cultural practices of the time and the personal characteristics of Samson, a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength and complex character.

Context and Setting

The account takes place during a period when the Israelites were under Philistine oppression. Samson, chosen by God from birth to begin the deliverance of Israel, is led by personal desire to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah. Despite the apparent contradiction with Israelite customs, this union is part of God's sovereign plan to create conflict with the Philistines (Judges 14:4: "His father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel").

The Feast and the Riddle

As was customary, Samson held a wedding feast, which lasted seven days. During this celebration, he posed a riddle to thirty Philistine companions, offering a wager of thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes if they could solve it within the feast's duration. The riddle, derived from a personal experience where Samson had killed a lion and later found bees and honey in its carcass, was as follows: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14).

The Test of Wit

The riddle served as a test of wit and intelligence, challenging the Philistines to decipher its meaning. It was a common practice in ancient times to use riddles as a form of entertainment and intellectual challenge. However, the Philistines, unable to solve the riddle, resorted to coercion, threatening Samson's bride to extract the answer. Under duress, she persuaded Samson to reveal the solution, which she then disclosed to her people.

Outcome and Significance

On the seventh day, before sunset, the Philistines answered Samson: "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" (Judges 14:18). Realizing their deceit, Samson responded with anger and famously declared, "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle" (Judges 14:18). In fulfillment of the wager, Samson went to Ashkelon, killed thirty men, and gave their garments to those who had solved the riddle.

This episode is significant for several reasons. It illustrates the cunning and treachery of the Philistines, the impulsive and vengeful nature of Samson, and the beginning of a series of conflicts between Samson and the Philistines. The riddle, while a test of wit, also serves as a narrative device that propels the account forward, setting the stage for further divine intervention and the eventual deliverance of Israel from Philistine domination.Judges 14:12-18
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

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Riddle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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