But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
This is just as might have been expected. And is it not so now, and in every age? Is not the friendship of the world enmity with God? James 4:4. And though Jesus hath so dearly purchased his church, and redeemed her with his blood; yet how often is she given to another, and in bondage.
REFLECTIONS
I WOULD pass over all other considerations in the perusal of this Chapter, to discover every feature which I can trace in this Nazarite, as pointing to the person and offices of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. And though I am a poor blind creature in such a study; yet do thou, Lord, teach me the wondrous things of' thy law; and then shall I discern somewhat to comfort my mind in every part of thine holy word; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Yes! blessed Jesus! I behold in the going down of thy servant to the Philistines, and tracing the wonderful events which followed, an emblem of thy gracious coming down for salvation-work to this lower world.
I view in the men of Timnath the baseness, treachery, and unprovoked anger of thine enemies! I behold nothing but perfidy and unfaithfulness in return for all thy favor, I see moreover, in this representation, not an unapt or distant allusion to the honey of thy gospel. How unexpected from such a quarter! How unsought for and overlooked! And what a riddle to the wisdom of this world, that God should have chosen weak things to confound the mighty. Oh! give me to eat of this honey, to be food to my soul, to recover from disease, to heal the wounds of sin. And however loathed by many, yet make me like the bee, earnest to gather it for my daily food. And be thou to me, dearest Jesus, in all thy person, relations, and offices, sweeter also than the honey, and the honey-comb.