As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it.
Context
This event occurs as Samson is on his way to Timnah to seek a Philistine woman as his wife, which was against the wishes of his parents. The Spirit of the Lord empowers him to defeat a lion.
Fulfillment
partial
Fulfilled in
Judges 14:8-9
Later, Samson finds honey in the carcass of the lion, which he uses to pose a riddle to the Philistines. This event foreshadows Samson's role in beginning to deliver Israel from the Philistines, as mentioned in Judges 13:5.
Theological significance
This incident illustrates the theme of God's Spirit empowering individuals for specific tasks, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. It also highlights the beginning of Samson's role as a judge and deliverer of Israel, despite his personal flaws.
Out of the one who eats came something to eat; out of the strong came something sweet.
Context
Samson poses this riddle to the Philistines during his wedding feast, based on his earlier encounter with the lion.
Fulfillment
complete
Fulfilled in
Judges 14:18
The Philistines solve the riddle by coercing Samson's wife to reveal the answer. This leads to a series of events where Samson kills thirty Philistines, fulfilling his role in beginning to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression.
Theological significance
The riddle and its outcome demonstrate the sovereignty of God in using even the flawed actions of His chosen instruments to accomplish His purposes. It also reflects the theme of divine retribution and justice.