I include the whole relation of this event within the compass of one view. No doubt, there is a spiritual instruction contained in it, otherwise the Holy Ghost would not have been pleased that it should have formed a part of the inspired volume. But we have to lament our blindness of discernment upon this, and many other instances, in the holy word. Evidently, however, we observe one thing in it, that the quarrel occasioned by it laid the foundation for Samson's deliverance of Israel, and the destruction of the Philistines. And did not the very temptation of Satan on our first parents in the garden, give birth to all the glorious consequences of our redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ?
Judges 14:12-18
12 And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheetsb and thirty change of garments:
13 But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheetsc and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.
14 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.
15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so?
16 And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
17 And she wept before him the sevend days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.