Topical Bible: Samson: Desires a Philistine Woman for his Wife; Kills a Lion

◄ Samson: Desires a Philistine Woman for his Wife; Kills a Lion ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Context

Samson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16. He is known for his extraordinary strength, which is attributed to his Nazirite vow to God. His life is marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel during this period. Samson's account is a complex narrative of divine purpose intertwined with personal flaws.

Desires a Philistine Woman for his Wife

In Judges 14:1-3, Samson's desire for a Philistine woman is introduced. "Samson went down to Timnah and saw a young Philistine woman there. So he returned and told his father and mother, 'I have seen a young Philistine woman in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.' But his father and mother replied, 'Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?' But Samson told his father, 'Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.'" (Judges 14:1-3).

This request was contrary to the Israelite custom of marrying within their own people, as intermarriage with the Philistines was discouraged due to their pagan practices. However, the narrative reveals that this desire was part of God's plan to confront the Philistines: "His father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines, for at that time they were ruling over Israel." (Judges 14:4).

Kills a Lion

As Samson journeyed to Timnah to arrange the marriage, a significant event occurred. "Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, and 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. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done." (Judges 14:5-6).

This act of killing the lion is a demonstration of the supernatural strength bestowed upon Samson by the Spirit of the LORD. It serves as a precursor to the many feats of strength he would later perform against the Philistines. The incident also foreshadows the riddle Samson would later pose at his wedding feast, which involved the lion and honey found in its carcass (Judges 14:14).

Theological Implications

Samson's actions, driven by personal desires, are used by God to fulfill divine purposes. His choice to pursue a Philistine woman, while seemingly rebellious, is part of God's sovereign plan to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression. The killing of the lion symbolizes the empowerment of God's Spirit, enabling Samson to perform acts beyond human capability. These events highlight the tension between human weakness and divine strength, a recurring theme in Samson's life.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 14:1-7
And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... a new-born babe: the new-born babe desires the sincere ... name Legality, is the son
of the bond woman which now ... 4); the third also set a mark in his forehead, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm