Judges 14:10

Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom.

Study Bible

Then Samson’s father went down to the woman
This phrase indicates the involvement of Samson's family in the marriage process, which was a significant cultural practice in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "father" here is "אָב" (av), emphasizing the patriarchal structure of the family. The act of going "down" suggests a physical journey, but also a descent into a situation that would later prove to be fraught with challenges. The "woman" refers to the Philistine bride, highlighting the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines, as intermarriage was generally discouraged due to religious and cultural differences.

and Samson prepared a feast there
The word "feast" in Hebrew is "מִשְׁתֶּה" (mishteh), which implies a banquet or a drinking party. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern weddings, often lasting several days. The preparation of such a feast by Samson himself indicates his active role in the celebration, which was significant given his Nazirite vow that typically required abstinence from wine. This act foreshadows the internal conflict between his divine calling and personal desires.

as was customary for the bridegroom
The phrase "as was customary" underscores the adherence to cultural traditions of the time. The Hebrew term for "customary" is "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher), meaning "according to" or "as." This highlights the societal expectations placed upon the bridegroom to host and provide for the wedding feast. The role of the "bridegroom" (חָתָן, chathan) was not only to celebrate but also to establish a new household, symbolizing a transition into a new phase of life. This custom reflects the communal nature of marriage in ancient Israel, where the union was not just between two individuals but between families and communities.

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 is a series of conflicts with the Philistines.

2. Timnah
A Philistine town where Samson went to marry a Philistine woman, which was against the traditional Israelite customs of marrying within their own people.

3. Samson's Father
Manoah, who accompanied Samson to Timnah for the wedding feast, showing a degree of acceptance of Samson's decision despite cultural and religious tensions.

4. Philistines
The ruling people in the region during Samson's time, often in conflict with the Israelites. Samson's interactions with them are central to his account.

5. Wedding Feast
A significant cultural event, often lasting several days, where Samson held a feast as was customary for bridegrooms.

Teaching Points

Cultural Compromise
Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman shows the tension between cultural practices and religious convictions. Believers today must navigate cultural pressures while maintaining their faith.

Parental Influence
Manoah's involvement in the wedding feast suggests the importance of parental guidance and influence, even when children make questionable decisions.

Consequences of Disobedience
Samson's life illustrates the consequences of straying from God's commands, reminding believers of the importance of obedience.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Samson's flawed decisions, God used his actions to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that God's plans can prevail even through human weakness.

Community and Fellowship
The wedding feast represents community and fellowship, encouraging believers to consider how they engage with others in social settings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman reflect the challenges of maintaining faith in a culturally diverse world?

2. In what ways can parents today influence their children's decisions, especially when those decisions conflict with their faith?

3. How does the account of Samson illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

4. What does Samson's life teach us about God's sovereignty and His ability to use our weaknesses for His purposes?

5. How can believers today balance cultural engagement with maintaining their Christian convictions, especially in social settings like weddings and celebrations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 13
Provides background on Samson's birth and the Nazirite vow, setting the stage for his actions and decisions.

Numbers 6
Details the Nazirite vow, which Samson was under, highlighting the expectations and restrictions that were supposed to guide his life.

1 Samuel 14
Another instance of a wedding feast, offering cultural context and showing the importance of such events in ancient times.

Proverbs 14:12
Reflects on the idea that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death, which can be related to Samson's choices.