The term "The Timnite" refers to an individual from the ancient city of Timnah, a location mentioned several times in the Bible. Timnah was situated in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, although it was also associated with the Philistines during certain periods of biblical history. The most notable reference to a Timnite is found in the narrative of Samson, a judge of Israel, in the Book of Judges.

Samson and the Timnite Woman

The account of Samson and the Timnite woman is a significant episode in the biblical account of Samson's life. Judges 14:1-2 states, "One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. 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.'" This passage introduces the Timnite woman as the object of Samson's desire, despite the fact that she was a Philistine, and thus, outside the covenant community of Israel.

Samson's parents were concerned about his choice, as intermarriage with the Philistines was discouraged. However, Judges 14:4 provides insight into the divine purpose behind this union: "Now 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 the Philistines were ruling over Israel."

The Wedding Feast and Riddle

The narrative continues with Samson's wedding feast in Timnah, where he posed a riddle to thirty Philistine companions. Judges 14:12-14 records Samson's challenge: "Let me tell you a riddle," Samson said to them. "If you can give me the answer within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. But if you cannot tell me the answer, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes." The riddle was: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet."

The Philistines, unable to solve the riddle, coerced Samson's wife to extract the answer from him. She succeeded, and the Philistines answered the riddle, leading to a series of events that further fueled the conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

The Timnite's Role in Samson's Downfall

The Timnite woman played a pivotal role in the unfolding of Samson's account. Her betrayal, under duress from her people, set off a chain of events that led to Samson's acts of vengeance against the Philistines. This episode highlights the complex interplay of personal relationships and divine providence in the biblical narrative.

Timnah in the Context of Israelite History

Timnah's location and its association with both the Israelites and the Philistines underscore the region's geopolitical significance during the period of the Judges. The city served as a backdrop for the tension between these two groups, reflecting the broader struggle for dominance in the land of Canaan.

In summary, the Timnite woman in the account of Samson illustrates the themes of divine sovereignty, human agency, and the intricate dynamics of cultural and religious identity in the biblical text. Her account is a testament to the multifaceted nature of biblical narratives, where individual lives intersect with the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people.The Timnite

Samson's father-in-law, a native of Timnathah. (Judges 15:6)

8554. Timni -- inhab. of Timnah
... Timni. 8555 . inhab. of Timnah. Transliteration: Timni Phonetic Spelling:
(tim-nee') Short Definition: Timnite. ... of Timnah NASB Word Usage Timnite (1). Timnite. ...
/hebrew/8554.htm - 6k

Samson's Wedding Feast
... this? And they said, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he
hath taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv samsons wedding feast.htm

Samson who did to Others as they did to Him
... Then the Philistines said, "Who has done this?" The reply was, "Samson, the
son-in-law of the Timnite, because that man took Samson's wife and gave her to his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samson who did to others.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Then they inquired who this thing had done, And were inform'd it was the Timnite's
son; Because his father took his wife away, And gave her his companion to ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

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