Judges 14:16
Then Samson's wife came to him, weeping, and said, "You hate me! You do not really love me! You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me." "Look," he said, "I have not even explained it to my father or mother, so why should I explain it to you?"
Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping
The phrase "Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping" sets the emotional tone of the narrative. The Hebrew root for "weeping" is "בָּכָה" (bakah), which conveys a deep, heartfelt lamentation. This emotional display is significant in the cultural context of the time, as it reflects the societal expectations of women to express vulnerability and emotion. The act of weeping here is a strategic move by Samson's wife to elicit a response from Samson, highlighting the relational dynamics and the tension between personal loyalty and cultural allegiance.

You hate me; you do not love me!
This accusation, "You hate me; you do not love me!" is a powerful expression of emotional manipulation. The Hebrew words for "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane) and "love" (אָהַב, ahab) are often used in the Old Testament to describe covenantal relationships. In this context, Samson's wife is challenging the integrity of their marital bond, using the language of love and hate to question Samson's commitment. This reflects the broader biblical theme of love as an action and commitment, rather than mere emotion.

You have told my people a riddle, but you have not explained it to me
The phrase "You have told my people a riddle, but you have not explained it to me" underscores the cultural and familial tensions present in the narrative. The term "riddle" (חִידָה, chidah) in Hebrew suggests a complex, enigmatic saying meant to challenge the listener. In ancient Near Eastern culture, riddles were a form of intellectual engagement and social interaction. By withholding the explanation, Samson maintains power and control, creating a divide between his wife and her people, the Philistines, and himself.

Look, he said, I have not even explained it to my father or mother
Samson's response, "Look, he said, I have not even explained it to my father or mother," highlights the importance of familial hierarchy and loyalty in ancient Israelite society. The mention of "father or mother" signifies the primary familial bonds that were expected to take precedence over all others. Samson's statement suggests that his loyalty to his parents supersedes even that to his wife, reflecting the patriarchal structure of the time and the prioritization of blood relations.

so why should I explain it to you?
The rhetorical question "so why should I explain it to you?" serves to reinforce Samson's position of authority and autonomy. It implies a hierarchy of trust and intimacy, where his wife is placed outside the inner circle of his confidence. This question not only highlights the tension in their relationship but also foreshadows the eventual betrayal and conflict that arise from this lack of communication and trust. In the broader biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of broken relationships and the importance of transparency and trust within covenantal bonds.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, given by God, and his Nazirite vow. His life is marked by personal weaknesses and struggles with temptation.

2. Samson's Wife
A Philistine woman from Timnah whom Samson marries. Her relationship with Samson is fraught with tension and manipulation, as seen in this verse.

3. Philistines
The ruling people in the region during Samson's time, often in conflict with the Israelites. They are the recipients of Samson's riddle.

4. Timnah
A Philistine town where Samson's wife is from and where the wedding feast takes place.

5. The Riddle
A challenge posed by Samson to the Philistines during his wedding feast, which becomes a source of conflict and betrayal.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Unequally Yoked Relationships
Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman illustrates the challenges and spiritual dangers of forming close relationships with those who do not share the same faith and values.

The Power of Manipulation and Deceit
Samson's wife's tears and accusations are a form of manipulation, reminding us to be wary of emotional manipulation in our relationships.

The Importance of Trust and Communication in Marriage
The lack of trust and open communication between Samson and his wife serves as a cautionary tale for married couples to prioritize honesty and transparency.

The Consequences of Ignoring Godly Counsel
Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman, against his parents' wishes, shows the potential consequences of ignoring wise and godly counsel.

The Role of Personal Weakness in Spiritual Battles
Samson's susceptibility to emotional manipulation highlights the need for self-awareness and reliance on God's strength in overcoming personal weaknesses.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Samson's relationship with his wife reflect the broader theme of Israel's relationship with surrounding nations?

2. In what ways can we guard against manipulation in our personal relationships, and what biblical principles can guide us?

3. How does the account of Samson and his wife challenge us to evaluate our own relationships and their impact on our spiritual walk?

4. What lessons can we learn from Samson's life about the importance of heeding godly advice and counsel?

5. How can we apply the principles of trust and communication from this passage to strengthen our own marriages or relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 16:4-5
Samson's relationship with Delilah mirrors his wife's manipulation, highlighting a pattern of personal relationships leading to his downfall.

Proverbs 7:21-23
The seductive and manipulative nature of Samson's wife can be compared to the warnings about the dangers of succumbing to temptation and deceit.

Genesis 2:24
The tension in Samson's marriage contrasts with the biblical ideal of unity and trust in marriage.
Bodily StrengthT. De Witt Talmage.Judges 14:1-20
Brawn and Muscle ConsecratedT. De Witt Talmage.Judges 14:1-20
Estrangement from Home InfluencesJohn Bruce, D. D.Judges 14:1-20
Fruits of ConflictC. Easton.Judges 14:1-20
God Overrules Evil for GoodThomasJudges 14:1-20
Hands Full of HoneySpurgeon, Charles HaddonJudges 14:1-20
Honey Out of the Dead LionH. J. Bevis.Judges 14:1-20
Out of Strength, SweetnessC. Beard, B. A.Judges 14:1-20
Resist the DevilJ. McNeill.Judges 14:1-20
Samson's First LoveW. A. Scott, D. D.Judges 14:1-20
Samson's MarriageJ. Bigwood.Judges 14:1-20
Samson's RiddleG. Burder.Judges 14:1-20
Samson's RiddleT. L. Cuyler.Judges 14:1-20
Samson's Silence Respecting the HoneyThomas Kirk.Judges 14:1-20
The Choice of a WifeT. De Witt Talmage.Judges 14:1-20
The Sweet Memory of TriumphT. Davies.Judges 14:1-20
The Wedding Riddle and TragedyW. A. Scott, D. D.Judges 14:1-20
Unlawful Methods of Interpreting Divine MysteriesA.F. Muir Judges 14:15-20
People
Samson, Timnah
Places
Ashkelon, Timnah
Topics
Behold, Countrymen, Declare, Declared, Explain, Explained, Forth, Hast, Hate, Hated, Haven't, Herself, Love, Loved, Lovest, Proposed, Propounded, Question, Really, Replied, Riddle, Samson's, Sobbing, Sons, Threw, Truly, Weepeth, Weeping, Wept, Wife, Wilt, You've
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 14:5-20

     5935   riddles

Judges 14:12-17

     7730   explanation

Judges 14:12-18

     4666   lion

Judges 14:16-17

     6249   temptation, universal
     8654   importunity, to people

Library
Introductory Remarks.
We present here, by way of an Appendix to our argument for the Divinity of Christ, a collection of the more remarkable testimonies of unbelievers to the character of Christ, arranged in chronological order, and accompanied with explanatory notes. Dr. Nathaniel Lardner (born in 1684, died in 1768), although a Socinian, or Unitarian, in his views on Christ's person, did excellent service to the cause of revealed religion against the Deism of his day by his truly learned and valuable work on the "Credibility
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Whether the Temptation of God Consists in Certain Deeds, Wherein the Expected Result is Ascribed to the Power of God Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the temptation of God does not consist in certain deeds wherein the result is expected from the power of God alone. Just as God is tempted by man so is man tempted by God, man, and demons. But when man is tempted the result is not always expected from his power. Therefore neither is God tempted when the result is expected from His power alone. Objection 2: Further, all those who work miracles by invoking the divine name look for an effect due to God's power alone.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
^D John II. 1-11. ^d 1 And the third day [From the calling of Philip (John i. 43). The days enumerated in John's first two chapters constitute a week, and may perhaps be intended as a contrast to the last week of Christ's ministry ( John xii. 1). It took two days to journey from the Jordan to Cana] there was a marriage [In Palestine the marriage ceremony usually began at twilight. The feast after the marriage was at the home of the bridegroom, and was sometimes prolonged for several days (Gen. xxix.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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