Jude 14

13:1–16:31 Samson, who receives more attention in the book of Judges than any other judge, is even more of an enigma than Jephthah. Samson reflects a high level of inspiration as a leader. He also personifies the inexorable march toward chaos that highlights the need for a more centralized society under a godly ruler.14:1–15:20 Samson’s choice to marry a Philistine woman was the Lord’s means (14:4) of beginning to confront the Philistine challenge (see 13:5). One thing led to another, punctuated by three occasions when the Spirit came powerfully upon him (14:6, 19; 15:14). Throughout these events, Samson was a powerful but flawed hero.14:1 Timnah was probably about four miles down the valley of Sorek from Mahaneh-dan, at the intersection of the Israelite and Philistine territories.

14:2 Samson’s choice of a bride was informed only by his pleasure in her appearance. Intermarriage was a significant mark of covenant infidelity (Josh 23:12-13), but God is able to work through human sinfulness.

14:3 The epithet pagan (literally uncircumcised) was regularly applied to Philistines, who, unlike many nations in the Middle East, did not practice any form of circumcision.

14:5-6 Samson was first explicitly empowered by the Spirit (cp. 13:25) when he was attacked by a lion.

14:11 The reason for thirty . . . companions is not clear (cp. 2 Sam 23:13). Companions, a word that normally means “friends,” may lend a touch of irony here (Judg 14:12-20).

14:12 Riddles were common tests of skill or a form of entertainment that usually employed double meanings. Despite some evidence for bees building hives in the bodies of dead animals, there was no apparent way to crack the mystery apart from knowing what Samson knew.

14:14-19 Israel’s hero, like Sisera, was defeated by a woman (4:21; see study note on 8:20-21).

14:18 It was common to answer a riddle with another riddle. In this case, the Philistines used a similar poetic couplet, not to reveal all they knew, but simply to win the contest.

14:19 Samson kept his side of the deal (cp. 1 Sam 18:20-27). He apparently returned home without consummating his marriage, which traditionally would have happened at the end of the seven days of feasting.

14:20 According to some ancient customs, giving the bride to the best man, even if the marriage was not consummated, was forbidden. The father’s action appears to have been treacherous (cp. 15:2-3, 6).