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Judges Chapter Fourteen（ESV）
1 Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.” 3 But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
4 His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.
5 Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done….
19 And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house. 20 And Samson’s wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.
REFLECTION
- As Samson’s parents suggest, it is a problem that Samson wants a Philistine wife (v3). His desire probably violated his Nazirite status, which obligated him to keep separate from uncleanness and clearly violated God’s stated intent that the Israelites not collaborate with the peoples of the land. Samson’s rationale is “she is the right one for me”, this self-assertion actually is the preface of the condition of the people in chapters 17-21.
- Apparently, God sees Samson’s desire as an “opportunity” (v4) to oppose oppression; but Samson proves ineffective in this regard. His gifts, represented by God’s Spirit are squandered on impressive deeds that have nothing to do with deliverance.
PRAYER
Lord, You are able to accomplish Your purposes in spite of human shortcomings. Though Samson was physically powerful, he was frail in character, and it was only in the power of Your Spirit that he prevailed. I too have many weaknesses. Holy Spirit, please illuminate my deepest darkness, forgive my sins. Help me to ride with Your wave to accomplish Your will.
