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 sheets and thirty change of garments:
I will now put forth a riddle. Riddles are a favourite Oriental amusement at festive entertainments of this nature, and rewards are offered to those who give the solution. Samson's riddle related to honey gotten in the lion's carcass. The prize he offered was thirty sindinim, or shirts-not sheets, as in our version, but wide linen garments worn next the body, only, it would seem, by persons of rank and wealth-and thirty changes of garments, probably woollen. Three days were passed in vain attempts to unravel the enigma. The festive week was fast drawing to a close, when they secretly enlisted the services of the newly-married wife.