Biblical Context:
The account of Samson revealing the answer to his riddle is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14. Samson, a Nazirite set apart from birth, is known for his extraordinary strength, which is a gift from God. His life is marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel during this period.

The Riddle:
The account begins with Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah, which displeases his parents. Despite their objections, they accompany him to Timnah. On the way, Samson encounters a young lion, which he kills with his bare hands, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord. Later, he finds a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of the lion. This incident inspires the riddle he poses at his wedding feast.

During the seven-day feast, Samson challenges thirty Philistine companions with a riddle: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). The wager is thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes, a significant prize.

The Betrayal:
Unable to solve the riddle, the Philistines coerce Samson's new wife into extracting the answer from him by threatening her and her family. Under duress, she pleads with Samson, using emotional manipulation until he finally reveals the answer to her on the seventh day. She, in turn, discloses it to her people.

The Revelation:
On the seventh day, before sunset, the men of the city confront Samson with the answer: "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" (Judges 14:18). Realizing he has been betrayed, Samson responds with a sharp rebuke: "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle" (Judges 14:18).

Consequences:
In a display of divine empowerment and righteous anger, the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon Samson. He goes down to Ashkelon, strikes down thirty men, and takes their garments to pay his debt. This act of vengeance marks the beginning of Samson's tumultuous relationship with the Philistines, characterized by cycles of conflict and retribution.

Theological Significance:
Samson's riddle and its revelation highlight themes of betrayal, the consequences of disobedience, and the sovereignty of God in using flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. Despite Samson's personal failings, God uses him as an instrument of judgment against the Philistines, fulfilling the divine plan to deliver Israel.

Moral and Ethical Reflections:
The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's values and the impact of personal weaknesses. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the potential consequences of yielding to external pressures. Samson's account is a reminder of the need for reliance on God's strength rather than one's own, and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of temptation and adversity.