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
This phrase indicates the urgency and the time constraint under which the men of the city were operating. The seventh day is significant in biblical terms, often representing completion or perfection, as seen in the creation narrative in Genesis. The timing "before sunset" suggests a last-minute revelation, emphasizing the tension and drama of the moment. In the Hebrew context, days are marked from sunset to sunset, highlighting the cultural understanding of time.

the men of the city
These were the Philistines, the inhabitants of Timnah, where Samson had gone to marry a Philistine woman. Historically, the Philistines were one of the Sea Peoples who settled in the coastal regions of Canaan. They were often in conflict with the Israelites, and this interaction with Samson is one of many instances of tension between the two groups. The "men of the city" represent the collective opposition to Samson, a judge of Israel.

said to him
This phrase indicates direct communication and confrontation. The men of the city are addressing Samson, showing their confidence in having solved his riddle. In the narrative, this moment is pivotal as it reveals the betrayal and manipulation that Samson experiences, setting the stage for his subsequent actions.

What is sweeter than honey?
Honey in the ancient Near East was a symbol of abundance and delight. It was one of the few sweeteners available and is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the richness of God's word (Psalm 19:10). The rhetorical question posed by the Philistines is a direct reference to the riddle Samson had given them, which involved the sweetness of honey found in the carcass of a lion.

And what is stronger than a lion?
The lion is a symbol of strength and power throughout the Bible. In the context of Samson's riddle, it refers to the lion he had killed with his bare hands, an act that demonstrated his God-given strength. The Philistines' use of this phrase shows their understanding of the riddle's answer, but also their recognition of Samson's formidable strength, which they had to undermine through deceit.

And he said to them
Samson's response is direct and accusatory. This phrase sets up his retort, which reveals his awareness of their treachery. It is a moment of realization and confrontation, where Samson acknowledges the betrayal by his wife and the men of the city.

If you had not plowed with my heifer
This metaphorical expression is rich in cultural and agricultural imagery. In ancient times, a heifer was a young cow that had not been yoked for plowing, symbolizing innocence and purity. Samson's use of this phrase implies that the Philistines had used his wife to extract the answer to the riddle, violating the trust and sanctity of his marriage. The imagery of "plowing" suggests manipulation and exploitation.

you would not have solved my riddle
The riddle was a test of wit and strength, and Samson's statement underscores the unfair advantage the Philistines gained through deceit. In the broader biblical narrative, this moment foreshadows the ongoing conflict between Samson and the Philistines, highlighting themes of betrayal, strength, and divine justice. Samson's acknowledgment of their deceit sets the stage for his subsequent actions, driven by a sense of personal and divine retribution.

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.