‏ Judges 14

* Samson desires a wife of the Philistines. (1-4) Samson kills a

lion. (5-9) Samson's riddle. (10-20)

1-4 As far as Samson's marriage was a common case, it was weak

and foolish of him to set his affections upon a daughter of the

Philistines. Shall one, not only an Israelite, but a Nazarite,

devoted to the Lord, covet to become one with a worshipper of

Dagon? It does not appear that he had any reason to think her

wise or virtuous, or any way likely to be a help meet for him;

but he saw something in her agreeable to his fancy. He that, in

the choice of a wife, is only guided by his eye, and governed by

his fancy, must afterwards thank himself if he find a Philistine

in his arms. Yet it was well done not to proceed till Samson had

made his parents acquainted with the matter. Children ought not

to marry, nor to move towards it, without the advice and consent

of their parents. Samson's parents did well to dissuade him from

yoking himself unequally with unbelievers. It seems that it

pleased God to leave Samson to follow his own inclinations,

intending to bring out good from his conduct; and his parents

consented, because he was bent upon it. However, his example is

not recorded for us to do likewise. 5-9 By enabling him to kill a lion, God let Samson know what he

could do in the strength of the Spirit of the Lord, that he

might never be afraid to look the greatest difficulties in the

face. He was alone in the vineyards, whither he had rambled.

Young people consider not how they exposed themselves to the

roaring lion that seeks to devour, when they wander from their

prudent, pious parents. Nor do men consider what lions lurk in

the vineyards, the vineyards of red wines. Our Lord Jesus having

conquered Satan, that roaring lion, believers, like Samson, find

honey in the carcass abundant strength and satisfaction, enough

for themselves, and for all their friends. 10-20 Samson's riddle literally meant no more than that he had

got honey, for food and for pleasure, from the lion, which in

its strength and fury was ready to devour him. But the victory

of Christ over Satan, by means of his humiliation, agonies, and

death, and the exaltation that followed to him, with the glory

thence to the Father, and spiritual advantages to his people,

seem directly alluded to. And even death, that devouring

monster, being robbed of his sting, and stripped of his horror,

forwards the soul to the realms of bliss. In these and other

senses, out of the eater comes forth meat, and out of the

strong, sweetness. Samson's companions obliged his wife to get

the explanation from him. A worldly wife, or a worldly friend,

is to a godly man as an enemy in the camp, who will watch every

opportunity to betray him. No union can be comfortable or

lasting, where secrets cannot be intrusted, without danger of

being divulged. Satan, in his temptations, could not do us the

mischief he does, if he did not plough with the heifer of our

corrupt nature. His chief advantage against us arises from his

correspondence with our deceitful hearts and inbred lusts. This

proved an occasion of weaning Samson from his new relations. It

were well for us, if the unkindness we meet with from the world,

and our disappointments in it, obliged us by faith and prayer to

return to our heavenly Father's house, and to rest there. See

how little confidence is to be put in man. Whatever pretence of

friendship may be made, a real Philistine will soon be weary of

a true Israelite.