Judges 14:18

Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" So he said to them: "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!"

Study Bible

Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson:
The timing here is significant, as the seventh day marks the completion of a week, often symbolizing completion or perfection in biblical terms. The men of the city, the Philistines, were under pressure to solve Samson's riddle to avoid the consequences of their wager. This reflects the cultural practice of riddles and challenges in ancient times, often used to demonstrate wisdom or cunning. The urgency before sunset indicates their desperation and the importance of the deadline.

“What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?”
The riddle's answer is directly tied to Samson's earlier encounter with a lion, where he killed it and later found bees and honey in its carcass. Honey, often a symbol of abundance and pleasure in the Bible, contrasts with the strength and ferocity of a lion, a common symbol of power. This phrase highlights the Philistines' cunning in extracting the answer from Samson's wife, reflecting the theme of betrayal and deceit.

So he said to them:
Samson's response is immediate and accusatory, indicating his awareness of their deceit. This interaction underscores the tension between Samson and the Philistines, setting the stage for further conflict. It also reflects the personal nature of the betrayal, as it involves his wife.

“If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!”
The metaphor of "plowing with my heifer" is a vivid expression of betrayal, suggesting that the Philistines used his wife to manipulate and deceive him. In ancient agricultural societies, a heifer was a valuable asset, and the metaphor implies misuse of something precious to Samson. This phrase also foreshadows the ongoing conflict between Samson and the Philistines, as it reveals the personal and communal tensions that drive the narrative. The use of agricultural imagery connects to the agrarian context of the time, where such metaphors would be readily understood.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life was marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They were known for their advanced weaponry and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.

3. Timnah
A Philistine town where Samson went to find a wife, which led to a series of events including the riddle he posed to the Philistines.

4. Riddle
Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines during his wedding feast, which they could not solve without coercing his wife to extract the answer from him.

5. Samson's Wife
A Philistine woman who was coerced by her people to betray Samson by revealing the answer to his riddle.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Samson's riddle was a display of his pride and overconfidence. Pride can lead to our downfall if we are not careful to remain humble before God.

The Influence of Relationships
Samson's choice to marry a Philistine woman led to his betrayal. Our relationships can greatly influence our spiritual walk, and we must choose them wisely.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Samson's life shows the consequences of not fully adhering to God's commands. Disobedience can lead to personal and communal strife.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure
Despite Samson's failures, God used his actions to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. God's plans can prevail even through human weakness.

Guarding Our Hearts
Like Samson, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against influences that can lead us away from God's path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's pride in Judges 14:18 reflect the broader biblical theme of pride leading to downfall, and how can we apply this lesson in our own lives?

2. In what ways do our relationships influence our spiritual journey, and how can we ensure they align with God's will, as seen in Samson's account?

3. What are some modern-day examples of disobedience leading to negative consequences, and how can we learn from Samson's mistakes?

4. How does the account of Samson illustrate God's sovereignty, and how can we find comfort in knowing that God can work through our weaknesses?

5. What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against influences that may lead us away from God's path, as demonstrated in the life of Samson?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 16
Samson's later interactions with the Philistines, including his downfall due to another Philistine woman, Delilah, showing a pattern of personal weakness.

Proverbs 16:18
The theme of pride leading to downfall, as seen in Samson's overconfidence in his riddle and his eventual betrayal.

1 Corinthians 10:12
A warning to be cautious and humble, reflecting Samson's failure to guard his heart and actions.