The history of Samson is one of sin and sadness, folly and failure. Yet, in spite of this, we do well to remember his noble qualities. He was a man of faith (Heb. 11:32). He delivered Israel from the Philistines and ruled as a judge in Israel for 20 years. Furthermore, he was a man of tremendous courage and of believing prayer (Jud. 16:28). Finally, he was a Nazarite forever, pledged to touch no wine, no razor was to touch his head, and he was not to touch any dead body.
“The unfolding of his downfall is no doubt recorded to warn us against the beginnings of disobedience and sin. It seems to say, ‘See how the mighty are fallen!’ Sin is merciless. Samson is like a man setting fire to his own house; the fire stays not until only a blackened ruin remains” (George Goodman).
James Smith has commented: “The fuller the cup the easier is it to spill the contents. The higher the spiritual privilege the more need for lowliness of walk before God. The stronger we are the greater the temptation to trust in our strength. The more frequently the Spirit of God moves us the more powerfully will the world and the flesh oppose us. The life of Samson alternates with light and shade. A Nazarite who seemed to be partially unconscious of the sacredness of his life, a fatal flaw in his character as a servant in the work of God.”
A ROMANCE (14:1-4, 7, 10, 11) -THE DISOBEDIENCE OF SAMSON
Under the law Samson was forbidden to marry a Philistine woman. In fact, of seven pagan nations it is written: “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them” (Deut. 7:3). Samson indeed went “down to Timnath” (Jud. 14:1) and wilfully sinned against the Lord and his godly parents.
If we really don’t want to take good advice we should not seek it, especially of God, though it is to Samson’s credit that he told his parents of his love affair and sought their help. Would that more sons and daughters did the same today!
Nevertheless, Samson rebelled at the remonstrances of his parents, insisting, “Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well” (Jud. 14:3). Many a young man has defiantly pursued a similar course because of “a pretty face,” all to his soul’s undoing and the raising up of an ungodly seed. True, evil can be overruled by good (Jud. 14:4, the “he” probably refers to God), but this is no reason to flagrantly set aside and disobey God’s Word. Sooner or later the believer will suffer the consequences of his willful disobedience. It is evident that Samson did not like the advice of his parents because he was not walking with them (Jud. 14:6, 9). No one likes to have his will crossed.
Actually, God could only “begin to deliver Israel” (Jud. 13:5) by Samson because Samson never completely fulfilled his Nazarite vow. Other passions commenced to crowd upon Samson’s life which took him away from God and away from his Nazarite vow. His love for a Philistine woman soon involved him in Philistine companionship (Jud. 14:10-11). Here was a Nazarite feasting and reveling with the enemies of God’s people. This incident serves as an interesting sidelight into some of the heathen customs of the day–seven days of feasting with high pitched merriment and competitive games. Samson’s affiliation soon led to trouble. The world will not tolerate a believer for long, and such will soon be evident if he is a real believer.
A RENT LION (14:5-6, 8-9) – THE DEFILEMENT OF SAMSON
Already out of the Lord’s will by going to Timnath to take a Philistine wife, Samson was led still further out of God’s will as a result of his encounter with a roaring young lion. His great feat of rending a young lion as he would a kid (Jud. 14:6) was only made possible because “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him.” However, this occasion of victory became a snare to Samson (as victories can often become). Returning to take his Philistine bride, he turned aside to see the dead lion. He took note of a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass, and by eating the honey he broke his Nazarite vow, becoming defiled by his contact with a dead body. That Samson was of a thoughtful disposition is reflected by the fact that he took some of the honey to his parents.
What should we learn from Samson’s mistakes? Simply this, Satan attacks through open conflict as well as subtle camouflage; from before as well as behind. The latter is always the most dangerous. Samson handled the open combat well, but the subtle camouflage of Satan in the person of a Philistine beauty was the first fly in the ointment and the beginning of his downfall.
Only One has conquered the onslaught of the Devil and broken his Power–namely, the Lord Jesus Christ. Only in Him do we have power and victory (1 Cor. 15:57).
Both of Samson’s ‘honeys’ resulted in his being hurt!
A RIDDLE (14:12-20) – THE DECEIVING OF SAMSON
Riddles are an ancient institution. The Queen of Sheba pronounced “hard questions” to the wise King Solomon to test his wisdom (1 Ki. 10:1). The same word occurs again in Proverbs 1:6 where it is translated “dark sayings.” The Greek equivalent, “enigma,” is translated “darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12). The Lord Jesus Christ is the only answer to the secrets of life, and apart from Him life is indeed a riddle.
Samson put forth a riddle that completely stumped the men of the city. What is sweeter than honey? The psalmist found the answer (Psalm 119:103). What is stronger than a lion? The Apostle Paul knew the answer (Phil. 4:13). Oh, that we knew more of the sweetness of God’s Word and of His power resting on our lives!
Samson’s riddle has often been spiritualized. The eater suggests the roaring lion, Satan, the believer’s archenemy (1 Pet. 5:8). By Christ’s triumph over him in death, our victorious Captain and Redeemer has gained for us the sweetness (honey) of salvation and life. From the eater has come forth meat (see Rom. 5:20).
Samson soon learned the folly of having married a heathen wife. A woman’s tears are the most powerful ‘water works’ in the world. By her feigned love and excessive weeping (he had to be a strong man to stick things out almost seven full days), coupled with the threats of the men of the city, she gained the answer to Samson’s riddle. Immediately she betrayed his secret, soon left him, and ultimately was burned because of her folly (Jud. 15:6).
In order to carry out the condition pertaining to the solving of his riddle, Samson had to go and violently take the required spoil. It was only when the deceived and disillusioned Samson broke with the Philistines that “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him,” enabling him to accomplish his violent conquest.
Samson let himself be guided by what “pleased” him, but this must not be our motive of action. Christ has left us an example that we should follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:21). He “pleased not Himself” (Rom. 15:3), having said of God the Father, “I do always those things that please Him” (Jn. 8:29).
Although Samson did not take his parents’ advice, he nevertheless manifested his love and respect for them, for midst his rage he returned “to his father’s house” (Jud. 14:19). How often this proves true (see Lk. 15:12-24).