Samson asks his parents to arrange a marriage between him and a Philistine woman. They do this, even though the Philistine's have dominion over Israel.
On his way to Timnah a young lion approaches Samson and Samson tears him apart. Later, some bees have settled in the lion's carcass, and Samson scoops the honey for his parents without telling them anything about the lion.
Later at a banquet, Samson proposes a riddle to his 30 Philistine companions (groomsmen) for 30 linen tunics and 30 sets of garments.
Out of the eater came forth food, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.
This riddle causes stress for the marriage, and finally the wife pursuades Samson to tell the answer. She tells the companions, and he loses the bet. To pay his debt, Samson kills 30 men from Ahkelon and despoils them. He leaves in anger, and Samson's wife was married to the best man.
2 comments:
Samson's parents were with him when the lion attacked. They were all going to meet the girl. He was given 30 "companions" upon announcement of marriage. Notes indicate that these were probably to protect the wedding party from thieves. Riddles were popular at special occasions during this time. Samson gave the people 7 days to figure out the riddle (the time alloted for the wedding feast).
On the 4th day the 30 said to Samson's wife, "Coax your husband to explain the riddle or we will burn you and your father's household to death. Did you bring us here to rob us?"
She used the old "cry" and "you don't love me" ploy. He tells her on the last day. Samson tells the men, "If you had not plowed with my heifer (tricked my wife), you would not have solved my riddle". He had to kill 30 men to obtain the items he owed.
Moral of the story - Don't trust women.
moral - one shouldn't put oneself in a tight position by gambling.
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