Judges 14:17

She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people.

Study Bible

She wept before him the whole seven days of the feast
This phrase highlights the emotional and persistent nature of Samson's wife during the wedding feast. The Hebrew root for "wept" is "בָּכָה" (bakah), which conveys a deep, sorrowful crying. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such displays of emotion were not uncommon, especially in situations involving family and honor. The "seven days of the feast" refers to the traditional length of a wedding celebration, a time meant for joy and festivity. However, the persistent weeping indicates a significant tension and conflict, foreshadowing the unraveling of Samson's marriage and the subsequent events.

and on the seventh day he told her
The "seventh day" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completion or perfection. Here, it marks the culmination of Samson's resistance to revealing his riddle. The pressure exerted by his wife's emotional appeals finally breaks his resolve. This moment reflects a recurring theme in Samson's life: his vulnerability to emotional manipulation, which often leads to his downfall. The act of telling her the riddle signifies a breach of trust and foreshadows the betrayal that will follow.

because she pressed him so hard
The phrase "pressed him so hard" suggests intense pressure and persistence. The Hebrew root "צָרַר" (tsarar) can imply distress or being bound, indicating that Samson felt trapped by his wife's insistence. This dynamic illustrates the power of persistent persuasion and emotional influence, a theme that resonates throughout Samson's narrative. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of yielding to pressure against one's better judgment.

She in turn explained the riddle to her people
This final phrase reveals the betrayal of Samson by his wife. The act of explaining the riddle to "her people" underscores the divided loyalties in Samson's marriage. Her allegiance to her own people over her husband highlights the cultural and familial tensions present in intermarriages of the time. This betrayal sets off a chain of events leading to conflict and violence, illustrating the destructive potential of broken trust and divided loyalties. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the dangers of compromising one's commitments.

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. Delilah
Although not directly mentioned in Judges 14:17, she is a significant figure in Samson's life. In this chapter, Samson's wife, who is unnamed, foreshadows Delilah's later betrayal.

3. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the judges. They were often in conflict with Samson, who was raised up by God to begin delivering Israel from their oppression.

4. Timnah
A Philistine town where Samson went to find a wife, which led to a series of events that increased tensions between him and the Philistines.

5. The Feast
A seven-day wedding feast, a customary celebration during which Samson posed a riddle to the Philistine guests, leading to the events of Judges 14:17.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unequally Yoked Relationships
Samson's choice to marry a Philistine woman led to betrayal and conflict. Believers are encouraged to seek relationships that honor God and align with their faith.

The Power of Persistence
Samson's wife wept and pressed him for seven days until he revealed the answer to his riddle. This persistence, though used negatively here, can remind us of the importance of perseverance in prayer and faith.

Guarding One's Heart
Samson's vulnerability to emotional manipulation serves as a warning to guard our hearts and be discerning in our relationships.

The Danger of Compromise
Samson's willingness to reveal his secret under pressure shows the danger of compromising one's values and commitments.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure
Despite Samson's personal failures, God used the situation to fulfill His purposes against the Philistines, reminding us that God's plans prevail even when we falter.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's relationship with his Philistine wife reflect the challenges of being unequally yoked, and what can we learn from this about choosing relationships wisely?

2. In what ways does the persistence of Samson's wife in seeking the answer to the riddle parallel the persistence we should have in our spiritual lives?

3. How can we apply the lesson of guarding our hearts from Judges 14:17 to our daily interactions and relationships?

4. What are some modern-day examples of compromise that Christians might face, and how can we stand firm in our convictions?

5. How does the account of Samson in Judges 14:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us when we face personal failures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 16
The account of Delilah and Samson's ultimate betrayal, which parallels the betrayal by his wife in Judges 14:17.

Proverbs 7
Offers wisdom on the dangers of succumbing to seduction and betrayal, similar to Samson's experiences.

Matthew 26
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas, which can be compared to the betrayal Samson experienced, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.