In today’s daily devotional, Judges 14 presents the continuing story of Samson, a figure of great strength but also of complex character, as well as a reflection of God’s mysterious ways. As we read this chapter, we may find ourselves puzzled by Samson’s actions and God’s role in them—just as I have often been. In my own experience, passages like this challenge my understanding, but they also reveal the deeper truth that God’s ways are not always meant to align with our expectations. I invite you to read or listen to Judges 14, and together we can explore its meaning, even when we don’t fully understand it. To learn about Samson’s birth, read the daily devotional on Judges 13.
Judges 14 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Judges 14 is the continuation of the story of Samson, the revelation of his character, and God’s. I do not always understand what I read in the Bible, do you? Please read or listen to Judges 14.
In 1983, my journal had very little to say about Judges 14, just two one-liners, “Samson and his strength,” and “Weds Philistine woman.”
How Can We Know God Hears Our Prayers?
In 1995, I was between jobs, working on a new career path. I have a wonderful journal entry to share, “Job offered by American Business Advisors, ABA, yesterday. PTL! God has heard my prayer to move quickly. Now I want to confirm from Him it is the right move for me. Other pieces could fall into place this week.”
I wrote my prayer once again, “Thanks, thanks, thanks be to God! I don’t deserve answers, but God has been gracious unto me. Thank You, Lord. Please confirm this is the right move for me, in me, in Terry, in Bob,” (the president of American Business Advisors). “Put the other pieces, Foundation, and severance package together now too. Bless me with success in the new job. Bless ABA and our clients.” The job offer was from American Business Advisors, which was a consulting firm. I will continue the story as we finish the Book of Judges.
Concerning Judges 14, that day I wrote, “Samson wanted a wife from among the enemy. It was against the law, but it was of the Lord. I don’t get it.” I continued, “The woman pleased him well. Samson’s wife was more loyal to her family than to her husband, like many.”
Did Samson have a Wife in the Bible?
In 2016, I wrote, “Samson marries a Philistine outside God’s law, yet it was from the Lord, referring to verses 1-4. How can breaking Your Word be from You?” I continue to write, “He finally shares his riddle with his wife. She is more loyal to her family than him because she shares it with them. He sets her aside and gives her to his best man. None of this is of good character. He violates his Nazarite vow by contacting a dead lion and at his wedding feast most likely had alcohol. Yet the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon Him, according to verses 6 and 19. Samson is not consistent. Nor is the Lord.”
What Is the Message of John 14:1-4?
Let’s go back and read some of these key verses starting with verse 1-4:
Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. 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.” 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.” His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines.
As I wrote in my journal, none of this makes sense to me. It does not make sense that Samson would be allowed to violate God’s law and marry outside of Israel. They were not supposed to marry with the tribes around them, especially the Philistines, but it says, “it was from the Lord” (v. 4). As I read the scriptures it does not always make sense to me. Nor does it have to.
What Is the Significance of Samson Killing the Lion?
On his way down to meet this woman, it says in verse 6, “Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him”, and he tears a lion apart. The point is the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon Samson. Despite all this, God is still in control. He will use Samson to fulfill His purpose. I guess that gives us hope. But it does not give us license to be sinful and think God will use us. This is only the beginning of the story of Samson.
Prayer
Lord, there are certain things in the scriptures I do not understand. But one part of the scripture I do understand is, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isa. 55:8). You do not owe me an explanation. But I do pray the Holy Spirit would enlighten me, so passages of scripture make sense to me.
I thank You that You give us the Holy Spirit whose job it is to teach us truth. And You tell us, “thy word is truth” (John 17:17 KJV). So again, help me accept and understand where I can the principles I read in Your Word. My prayer, Lord, is open my eyes to the truths of Your Word. And when You do, I thank You for it. In the name of Jesus, we pray it. Amen.
