◄ 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!" Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 14:18? 2. How does Judges 14:18 illustrate the consequences of breaking God's commands? 3. What can we learn about honesty from Samson's interaction in Judges 14:18? 4. How does Judges 14:18 connect to Proverbs 12:22 about truthfulness? 5. How can we apply the lesson of integrity from Judges 14:18 today? 6. What role does divine wisdom play in understanding riddles in Judges 14:18? 7. What is the significance of the riddle in Judges 14:18? 8. How does Judges 14:18 reflect on Samson's character? 9. Why did Samson's wife betray him in Judges 14:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 14? 11. What riddles are found in the Bible? 12. Is it scientifically plausible for bees to produce honey in the carcass of a recently slain lion (Judges 14:8-9)? 13. Why does Samson, who is under a Nazirite vow, freely handle the lion's remains (Judges 14:8-9)? 14. How could one man realistically kill a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6)? Discussion 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? Judges 14 Bible Study Questions 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 14:18 NIV Judges 14:18 NLT Judges 14:18 ESV Judges 14:18 NASB Judges 14:18 KJV Judges 14:18 Commentaries Bible Hub