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Judges 14:1-20 open_in_new
The Marriage of Samson
1-5. Samson chooses a wife among the Philistines. He and his parents go down to Timnath.
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Judges 14:2 open_in_new
Timnath] some 4 m. SW. of Zorah, allotted to Dan (Joshua 19:43); it was retaken by the Philistines in the reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:18). Get her for me to wife] It was customary for parents to conduct the negotiations and pay the dowry: cp. Genesis 34:4-12.
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Judges 14:3 open_in_new
Cp. Genesis 24:3; Genesis 26:34; Genesis 27:46; Genesis 4. It was of the Lord] God purposed to use Samson as a weapon against the Philistines.
6-9. The slaying of the Lion.
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Judges 14:6 open_in_new
Cp. Judges 13:25 for the exploit, cp. 1 Samuel 17:34; 2 Samuel 23:20.
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Judges 14:8 open_in_new
A swarm of bees.. in the carcase] probably it had dried up under the hot sun.
10, 11. The bridal feast.
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Judges 14:11 open_in_new
When they saw him] Many Greek MSS, by a slight change, read 'since they feared him,' a natural explanation of this choice of what was practically a 'body-guard.' Cp. Matthew 9:15, 'the children of the bride-chamber.'
12-20. Samson's Riddle and its consequences.
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Judges 14:12 open_in_new
Thirty] one for each of his new companions. Sheets] RV 'linen garments.'
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Judges 14:15 open_in_new
Called] i.e. invited us to your feast. To take that we have] RV 'impoverish us.'
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Judges 14:16 open_in_new
She does not dare to tell her husband the real reason of her curiosity.
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Judges 14:17 open_in_new
Lay sore upon him] RV 'pressed him sore.'
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Judges 14:19 open_in_new
Ashkelon] on the coast of the Philistine country. There is, however, a village of the same name about an hour S. of Timnath (mentioned in 'Survey of Western Palestine') to which perhaps Samson rushed off. To leave the bride like this is an insult, which her father at once avenges by giving her to the 'best man': cp. Judges 15:2.