The account of the Philistines coercing Samson's wife is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14. This narrative is a pivotal moment in the life of Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel, known for his extraordinary strength and complex relationship with the Philistines.

Context and Background

Samson, a Nazirite from birth, was chosen by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, who were oppressing the Israelites at the time. Despite his divine calling, Samson's life was marked by personal weaknesses and impulsive decisions. His marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah was one such decision that set the stage for conflict.

The Wedding Feast and the Riddle

During the wedding feast, which lasted seven days, Samson posed a riddle to thirty Philistine companions. The riddle was based on an earlier encounter where Samson had killed a lion and later found bees and honey in its carcass. The riddle was: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). Samson promised thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes to the men if they could solve the riddle within the seven days of the feast.

Coercion of Samson's Wife

Unable to solve the riddle, the Philistine men resorted to coercion. They threatened Samson's wife, saying, "Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father's house with fire. Did you invite us here to rob us?" (Judges 14:15). Fearing for her life and her family's safety, Samson's wife pleaded with him to reveal the answer. She wept before him for the remainder of the feast, and on the seventh day, Samson relented and disclosed the solution to her.

The Outcome

Samson's wife immediately revealed the answer to the Philistines, who then confronted Samson with the solution. In response, Samson realized the betrayal and declared, "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle" (Judges 14:18). Filled with the Spirit of the Lord, Samson went to Ashkelon, struck down thirty men, and gave their garments to those who had solved the riddle. In anger, he returned to his father's house, leaving his wife behind.

Significance

This episode highlights several themes prevalent in the narrative of Samson. It underscores the tension between Samson's divine mission and his personal failings. The coercion of his wife by the Philistines illustrates the pervasive hostility and manipulation that characterized the relationship between the Israelites and the Philistines. Moreover, it foreshadows the continued cycle of conflict and retribution that would define Samson's life and his eventual downfall.

The account also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of intermarriage with those who do not share the covenant faith, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Samson's choice to marry a Philistine woman, despite the divine mandate to remain separate from the surrounding nations, led to personal and communal strife.

Biblical References

· Judges 14:1-20