Topical Encyclopedia Samson's wife, a Philistine woman from Timnah, is a notable figure in the biblical narrative of Judges, specifically in Judges 14. Her account is often cited as an example of a wife whose actions had negative consequences, both for her husband and for herself. The account of Samson's wife provides insight into the complexities of marital relationships, cultural tensions, and personal betrayal.Background and Marriage to Samson Samson, a Nazirite from birth and a judge of Israel, was known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. Despite his divine calling, Samson's personal life was fraught with challenges, particularly in his relationships with women. His marriage to the Philistine woman from Timnah was his first recorded romantic involvement. The narrative begins with Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman, which was contrary to the expectations of his Israelite heritage. Judges 14:2-3 recounts Samson's insistence on marrying her despite his parents' objections: "I have seen a woman in Timnah, a daughter of the Philistines. Now get her for me as a wife." His parents questioned, "Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" Nevertheless, Samson's decision was part of God's plan to confront the Philistines, as noted in 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 Wedding Feast and Betrayal The wedding feast in Timnah was marked by a riddle posed by Samson to thirty Philistine companions. The riddle, based on an earlier encounter with a lion, was a challenge with a wager attached. Judges 14:12-14 records the riddle: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet." Unable to solve the riddle, the Philistines pressured Samson's wife to extract the answer from him, threatening her and her family. Samson's wife succumbed to the pressure and betrayed her husband by revealing the answer to the riddle. Judges 14:17 describes her actions: "She wept before him the seven days of the feast, and on the seventh day he told her, because she pressed him so hard. Then she explained the riddle to her people." Her betrayal led to a violent response from Samson, who killed thirty Philistines to fulfill the wager, as described in Judges 14:19 . Consequences and Legacy The betrayal by Samson's wife had dire consequences. Samson's anger led him to leave her, and she was subsequently given to one of his companions, as noted in Judges 14:20 : "And Samson’s wife was given to one of his companions who had attended him at the feast." This act of betrayal and the subsequent events set off a chain reaction of violence and retribution between Samson and the Philistines. Samson's wife's actions are often viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disloyalty and the impact of external pressures on marital fidelity. Her account serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals in cross-cultural marriages, especially in times of conflict and tension. Her legacy is one of tragedy, as her decisions contributed to the cycle of violence that characterized Samson's life and his interactions with the Philistines. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 14:15-17And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said to Samson's wife, Entice your husband, that he may declare to us the riddle, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire: have you called us to take that we have? is it not so? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources What does it mean that husbands are to love their wives? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org If a man has multiple wives and becomes a Christian, what is he supposed to do? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |
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