Judges 14:7

Then Samson continued on his way down and spoke to the woman, because she was pleasing to his eyes.

Study Bible

So he went down and spoke to the woman, and he liked her
So he went down
The phrase "went down" is significant in the context of ancient Israelite geography and culture. Samson's journey from the hill country of Zorah to the Philistine territory of Timnah is not just a physical descent but also a symbolic one. The Hebrew root for "went down" is "yarad," which often implies a movement away from a place of spiritual or moral high ground. This descent can be seen as a metaphor for Samson's spiritual journey, as he moves away from his Nazirite calling and the expectations of his people. In a broader biblical context, "going down" often precedes a trial or a test, as seen in the accounts of Jonah or Joseph.

and spoke to the woman
The act of speaking to the woman highlights the personal agency and choice of Samson. In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriages were often arranged by families, and direct communication between a man and a woman prior to marriage was not always customary. The Hebrew word for "spoke" is "dabar," which can mean to speak, declare, or converse. This indicates that Samson took an active role in pursuing this relationship, which is significant given the cultural and religious tensions between the Israelites and the Philistines. This action foreshadows the personal and national conflicts that will arise from this union.

and he liked her
The phrase "he liked her" reveals Samson's personal attraction and emotional response. The Hebrew root for "liked" is "yashar," which can mean to be pleasing or right in one's eyes. This phrase underscores the theme of individual desire versus divine command, a recurring motif in the Book of Judges. Samson's attraction to the Philistine woman is based on his own judgment rather than seeking God's will, reflecting the broader narrative of Israel during this period, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This sets the stage for the ensuing narrative, where personal desires lead to conflict and divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, given by God, and his Nazirite vow. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating a moment of personal choice and desire.

2. The Woman
A Philistine woman from Timnah whom Samson desires to marry. She represents a significant turning point in Samson's life, as his attraction to her leads to a series of events that fulfill God's purposes, albeit through Samson's personal failings.

3. Timnah
A Philistine town where the woman lived. It is significant as a place of interaction between the Israelites and their Philistine oppressors, highlighting the tension and cultural differences.

4. Philistines
The ruling oppressors of Israel during Samson's time. Their interactions with Samson are pivotal in the account of Judges, showcasing the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.

5. Nazirite Vow
A vow taken by Samson, which included abstaining from wine, not cutting his hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. This vow is central to his identity and the source of his strength, though he often struggles to uphold it.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Unequal Yoking
Samson's desire for a Philistine woman serves as a cautionary tale about forming close relationships with those who do not share the same faith and values.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Weakness
Despite Samson's personal failings, God uses his actions to fulfill divine purposes, reminding us that God's plans can prevail even through our weaknesses.

The Importance of Obedience
Samson's life illustrates the consequences of straying from God's commands and the importance of adhering to one's commitments, such as the Nazirite vow.

Guarding the Heart
Samson's attraction to the Philistine woman highlights the need to guard our hearts and desires, aligning them with God's will.

Consequences of Impulsive Decisions
Samson's impulsive decision to pursue the Philistine woman serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance in our choices and consider the long-term consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's interaction with the Philistine woman reflect the broader theme of Israel's relationship with surrounding nations?

2. In what ways can Samson's account serve as a warning about the dangers of forming relationships with those who do not share our faith?

3. How does the concept of the Nazirite vow relate to our own commitments to God, and what can we learn from Samson's struggles to uphold it?

4. What does Samson's account teach us about God's ability to work through our weaknesses and failures to accomplish His purposes?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Samson's impulsive decisions to our own lives, particularly in seeking God's guidance before making significant choices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Proverbs 14:12
Relates to the theme of personal desire leading to unintended consequences, as seen in Samson's attraction to the Philistine woman.

1 Corinthians 10:12
Offers a warning about overconfidence in one's own strength, relevant to Samson's life and choices.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Discusses the dangers of being unequally yoked with unbelievers, a principle that Samson's relationship with the Philistine woman illustrates.