Judges 14:8

When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion's carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey.

Study Bible

When Samson returned later to take her
This phrase indicates a passage of time since Samson's initial encounter with the Philistine woman in Timnah. The act of "taking her" refers to the marriage customs of the time, where a man would formally take a woman as his wife. This reflects the cultural practice of arranged marriages and the importance of family alliances. Samson's return signifies his commitment to the marriage, despite the potential conflict with his Nazirite vow and Israelite identity.

he left the road to see the lion’s carcass
Samson's diversion from the road to view the lion's carcass is significant. The lion, which he had previously killed with his bare hands, represents his extraordinary strength given by God. The act of leaving the road can symbolize a departure from the path of righteousness or divine instruction, as touching a dead body would defile a Nazirite according to Numbers 6:6-7. This moment foreshadows Samson's struggles with temptation and his eventual downfall.

and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey
The presence of bees and honey in the carcass is unusual, as bees typically avoid dead bodies. This miraculous occurrence highlights God's sovereignty and the theme of bringing sweetness from death, which can be seen as a type of Christ, who brings life from death. Honey, often associated with abundance and blessing in the Bible (e.g., Exodus 3:8), contrasts with the uncleanliness of the carcass, symbolizing the tension between divine provision and human impurity. This event sets the stage for Samson's riddle at the wedding feast, which becomes a pivotal moment in his conflict with the Philistines.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life is a series of victories and failures.

2. Lion
The animal that Samson encounters and kills with his bare hands. Later, he finds a swarm of bees and honey in its carcass, which is unusual and significant in the account.

3. Timnah
A Philistine town where Samson went to find a wife. This location is significant as it represents the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines.

4. Bees and Honey
Found in the carcass of the lion, this event is symbolic and later becomes the basis for Samson's riddle at his wedding feast.

5. Philistines
The ruling people over Israel at the time, representing the oppression and challenges faced by the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Strength in Us
Just as Samson was empowered by God to defeat the lion, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome challenges in their lives.

Unexpected Blessings
The honey in the lion's carcass symbolizes how God can bring unexpected blessings and sweetness out of difficult situations.

Consequences of Choices
Samson's journey to Timnah and his interactions with the Philistines highlight the importance of making choices that align with God's will.

Symbolism of the Lion
The lion can represent the challenges and adversaries we face, and the victory over it symbolizes triumph through God's power.

Faithfulness to Vows
Samson's life is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to our commitments to God, as his Nazirite vow was central to his identity and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's encounter with the lion and the subsequent discovery of honey illustrate God's ability to bring good out of challenging situations?

2. In what ways can we see the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives, similar to how Samson was empowered to defeat the lion?

3. What lessons can we learn from Samson's decision to go to Timnah, and how can we apply these lessons to our decision-making processes?

4. How does the symbolism of the lion in Judges 14:8 relate to other biblical references to lions, and what can we learn from these connections?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced an unexpected blessing in a difficult situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith and reliance on God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The account of Samson and the lion connects to the broader account of Samson's life, including his Nazirite vow and his eventual downfall due to his weaknesses. This can be compared to other biblical figures who had divine callings but faced personal challenges.

The concept of honey in the carcass can be linked to the idea of God bringing sweetness or good out of difficult or dead situations, similar to how God works through trials in the lives of believers.

The encounter with the lion and the subsequent finding of honey can be seen as a precursor to the riddle Samson poses, which is a significant event in his interactions with the Philistines.