February 1, 2024

Samson grew up and was ready for marriage. He found a woman that pleased his eyes and told his parents to get her for him. They were not happy with his selection because she was a Philistine and were hoping he would find a bride among the Israelites. They complied with his wishes. They set out to go to Timnath to get her, and on the way, he took a detour through a vineyard and ended up killing a lion with his bare hands. He didn't tell his parents about it. How did they not hear the commotion if they were in the same vicinity? By the time they returned, he went back through the vineyard and found that bees had made a hive out of the carcass of the lion, and it was full of honey. He ate some and took some to his parents. When it was time for the seven-day wedding feast, he made a wager with his groomsmen, who were Philistines, that if they could figure out his riddle, he would give them an entire wardrobe. 

And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. Judges 14:14

They couldn't figure it out, so they told his new wife that they would burn down her family's home if she didn't find out and tell them. So she cried to Samson, but he told her he hadn't even told his parents. She used her tears and told him he didn't love her, and he gave in and told her the answer. She ran back and told them, and they gave him the answer when the time was up. What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? He was angry and said to them, "If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle." He then went into the Philistine territory and killed 30 men for their clothes. Samson's wife was given to his companion.

This example shows that cheating is hazardous and can cause more trouble than it's worth. Those 30 men lost their lives over a ridiculous game. The other lesson these groomsmen learned is that toying with Samson is not a good idea! "You play stupid games; you win stupid prizes!"