One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 14:1? 2. How does Samson's choice in Judges 14:1 reflect on his spiritual discernment? 3. What lessons can we learn from Samson's actions in Judges 14:1? 4. How does Judges 14:1 connect with God's warnings about foreign marriages in Deuteronomy? 5. How can we apply Samson's story to our relationship choices today? 6. What does Judges 14:1 teach about seeking God's guidance in decision-making? 7. Why did Samson desire a Philistine woman in Judges 14:1 despite Israelite laws against intermarriage? 8. How does Judges 14:1 reflect the theme of divine sovereignty versus human choice? 9. What cultural tensions are highlighted in Samson's actions in Judges 14:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 14? 11. Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the wedding feast customs described in Judges 14:10–12? 12. What does the Bible say about arranged marriages? 13. How does Samson’s marriage to a Philistine (Judges 14:1–3) align with the prohibition on intermarriage in Deuteronomy 7:3–4? 14. How could one man realistically kill a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6)? Discussion Questions 1. What can we learn from Samson's decision to pursue a relationship with a Philistine woman, and how does this apply to our own relationships today?2. How does the setting of Timnah, a Philistine town, contribute to the tension in Samson's account, and what does this teach us about engaging with cultures that are different from our own? 3. In what ways does Samson's account in Judges 14:1 connect with the warnings in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 about intermarriage, and how can we apply these principles in our lives? 4. How does the concept of God looking at the heart, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:7, contrast with Samson's decision-making process in Judges 14:1? 5. Reflect on a time when you made a decision based on sight or immediate desire. How might seeking God's guidance have changed the outcome, and what steps can you take to prioritize spiritual discernment in future decisions?1. How does Samson's demand to marry a Philistine woman contradict the Israelite laws of his time? Discuss the potential implications of his decision. 2. Analyze the symbolic meaning of Samson tearing the lion apart. How does this connect to the overall narrative of his life? 3. Discuss the significance of the riddle in Judges 14. How does it relate to the themes of secrets, strength, and betrayal? 4. Why did Samson keep the source of the honey a secret from his parents? 5. How does Samson's wife respond to the Philistines' threats? What might this tell us about her situation and the cultural context of the time? 6. Analyze the concept of loyalty in Judges 14. Discuss how loyalty is shown or betrayed by different characters. 7. Compare and contrast Samson's strength and his vulnerability. How does this paradox play out in Judges 14? 8. How do the events of Judges 14 reflect the consequences of deceit? Discuss in light of both Samson's wife's actions and the Philistine men. 9. Can you identify instances of divine intervention in Judges 14? How do these shape the course of events? 10. If you were in Samson's position, how would you have handled the betrayal by your spouse? 11. Reflect on a time in your life where you felt your strength became your weakness. How can you relate to Samson's story? 12. How does Samson's reaction to the riddle's resolution reflect on his character? Was his response justified? 13. How might the story of Judges 14 be relevant in today's context about interfaith and intercultural marriages? 14. How do you think Samson's parents felt throughout this narrative? Discuss their potential perspectives and reactions. 15. How do the themes of love and betrayal interact in Judges 14? Discuss in light of modern relationships. 16. Discuss the concept of retribution in Judges 14. Is revenge a justifiable response according to this narrative? How would this align or conflict with Christian values today? 17. If you were Samson's wife, would you have acted differently under the Philistine men's pressure? Explain your reasoning. 18. Reflect on the role of women in Judges 14. How does their portrayal contribute to the story and the lessons it offers? 19. How does Judges 14 help us understand the complexity of human emotions and relationships? Discuss in light of a personal experience. 20. Drawing from Judges 14, how can we navigate situations where our loved ones make choices we don't agree with? Links Judges 14:1 NIVJudges 14:1 NLT Judges 14:1 ESV Judges 14:1 NASB Judges 14:1 KJV Judges 14:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |



