Samson's wife, though unnamed in the biblical text, plays a significant role in the narrative of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14. She was a Philistine woman from Timnah, a city within the territory of the Philistines, who were the oppressors of Israel during Samson's time.

Background and Marriage Proposal

Samson, known for his extraordinary strength and Nazirite vow, saw the woman in Timnah and desired to marry her, despite the Philistines being enemies of Israel. Judges 14:2-3 records Samson's request to his parents: "I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife." His parents were initially resistant, questioning why he would choose a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines rather than from his own people. However, the text reveals that this was part of the LORD'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 confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel" (Judges 14:4).

The Wedding Feast and the Riddle

The marriage arrangement led to a wedding feast in Timnah, a customary celebration that lasted seven days. During this feast, Samson posed a riddle to thirty Philistine companions, wagering thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. The riddle, found in Judges 14:14 , was: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet." The riddle was based on Samson's earlier encounter with a lion, from which he had taken honey.

Unable to solve the riddle, the Philistine men coerced Samson's wife to entice the answer from him, threatening her and her family with harm. Judges 14:15 states, "Coax your husband into explaining the riddle for us, or we will burn you and your father's household to death." Under duress, she wept before Samson and eventually persuaded him to reveal the answer, which she then disclosed to her people.

Betrayal and Consequences

Samson's wife’s betrayal led to a series of violent events. When the Philistines answered the riddle, Samson realized their deceit and attributed it to his wife's betrayal: "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle" (Judges 14:18). In his anger, Samson went to Ashkelon, killed thirty men, and gave their garments to those who had solved the riddle.

Upon returning to his father's house, Samson discovered that his wife had been given to one of his companions. This act of betrayal and the subsequent events fueled further conflict between Samson and the Philistines, leading to a cycle of vengeance and violence.

Cultural and Theological Implications

Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman highlights the tension between Israel and the surrounding nations, as well as the personal struggles of Samson, who was set apart as a Nazirite yet often acted impulsively. The narrative underscores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and divine sovereignty, as God used even the flawed actions of individuals to accomplish His purposes for Israel.

The account of Samson's wife serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of actions taken under pressure. Her role, though brief, is pivotal in the unfolding drama of Samson's life and the larger narrative of Israel's deliverance from Philistine oppression.