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Who was Samson's wife? Come Bible Study WITH ME through Judges 14 and ask all the questions!
Synopsis: By the Spirit of the LORD, God moved Samson to begin to deliver His people from the oppression of the Philistines. An arranged marriage between Samson and woman of Timnah began a conflict that escalated quickly between Samson and the Philistines. Though born sinners, Christians are to be moved by the Holy Spirit to keep from sin and walk in obedience to Him. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 14:1-4 Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Proverbs 21:1 Judges 14:5-7 Proverbs 18:1 1 Peter 5:8-9 Judge 14:8-9 Numbers 6:6-7 Judges 14:10-14 Judges 14:15-17 Psalm 106:13-15 Judges 14:18-20 Luke 4:17-21 John 16:12-13 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 13:25 Deuteronomy 7:1-4 Exodus 24:12-16 James 4:7 Leviticus 11:38 Hebrews 11:32 1 John 1:9
Send us a textWelcomeThanks for pressing play! In today's journey through Judges we meet Samson—the gifted judge who could tear lions to shreds, yet couldn't rein in his own appetite. His life is a walking paradox: Spirit-empowered, vow-bound … and willfully compromised. The big question we're chasing: How can a holy God work through people who are anything but holy? If you've ever felt the tension between your calling and your failures, Samson's story is your mirror—and your hope.Episode Notes1. Three Snapshot Scenes1. **The Woman (vv. 1-4)** “She is right in my eyes.” – Samson • Impulse over covenant • Echo of the book's theme: *“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes”* (Judg 21:25).2. **The Lion (vv. 5-9)** • Spirit-given strength vs. self-given silence • Touches a carcass twice, quietly breaking his Nazirite vow.3. **The Riddle (vv. 10-12)** • A seven-day drinking feast among Philistines • “Out of the eater came something to eat…”—turning sin's secrecy into gambling capital.2. Big Truths to Chew On| Truth | Why It Matters || God's sovereignty bends even sinful choices into redemptive purposes (v. 4). | Your failures don't write the final chapter. || Charisma without character caves in. | Spiritual gifting ≠ spiritual maturity. || “Right in my eyes” is the default of a leaderless heart. | We all need a better King than ourselves. |3. Reflection Questions1. Where do you rely on gifting while neglecting character? 2. Which appetites currently drive your “sight-based” decisions? 3. How have you seen God redeem a bad choice you made? 4. In what area do you need to swap *“right in my eyes”* for *“right in God's eyes”* this week?### 4. Practice This Week• 30-Minute Audit:** List recent decisions. Mark each *S* (sight) or *F* (faith). Pray over the *S's.* • Honey Fast:** Skip your go-to comfort snack/beverage for three days. Each craving = a cue to pray, “Lord, master my appetites.” • Accountability Text:** Ask a trusted friend, “What blind-spot do you see in me that I justify as ‘right in my eyes'?”6. Resources & Links Karl Barth, *Church Dogmatics* IV/1, p. 209 – on God's use of human sin for divine purpose ---##
...only because you plowed my wife...
...she looked good to Samson...
Samson, whose name means “brilliant sunshine”, goes to view Timnah (the inheritance ie of his tribe). There ‘he saw a woman' of the uncircumcised – uncovenanted – Philistines, who was ‘right in his own eyes' – his problem was characteristic of the entire nation (14 verse 7; 17verse 6; 21verse 25). In the vineyards of his inheritance, a place to be avoided by a sworn Nazarite. We read that a lion – representing the ravaging Philistines – roared against Samson. And he rips the beast asunder with no apparent effort. Several days later Samson returns to see the ‘ruin' (AV ‘carcass') of the lion only to find that miraculously and uncharacteristically a swarm of bees had made their hive in the putrid carcass. It was God's sign to Samson that by trusting in the Almighty the Philistines could be overthrown and sweet deliverance come for the Covenant people. Samson is deceived time and time again by the enemy and he engages tit for tat with them throughout these two chapters. Samson declares on each occasion that after avenging himself just once more against the Philistines he will leave the matter there. However this is not the intention of the Almighty – the Philistines need to be weakened. Notice how the LORD escalates the conflict: in 14verse 19 he slays 30 men at Ashkelon; then in 15verse 15 at Lehi a 1,000 are slain. Also observe the recurring of multiples of 3, as troubles escalate. Samson's mighty acts should have inspired his people to follow him as he could have been God's instrument for victory. But his own people reject him just as they had rejected Moses centuries earlier. Instead as the pressure of the Philistines grew stronger upon God's people 3,000 men of Judah come to plead with Samson for his surrender and then they bind him and hand him over to the Philistines. Surely we are reminded by this of the Lord Jesus being bound in the Garden of Gethsemane; being eventually sent to the Roman authorities to be tried and crucified. Samson, like our Lord, was thirsty after his great victory. In Isaiah 38 faithful God cures Hezekiah of the leprous boil, which threatened to end his life and which was preventing him from worshipping in the Temple. At this time of Hezekiah's and his nation's greatest need, when everything seemed hopeless, their Sovereign delivered them. However in spite of his recovery Hezekiah later becomes lifted up in pride as we will learn tomorrow in chapter 39. Nonetheless at this time the faithful prayer of a faithful man availed greatly (James 5verse 16). Hezekiah's prayer is a model prayer for us. It shows an elevation of king Hezekiah's God. The prayer gives glory to God. It also praises Yahweh's loving kindness in saving Hezekiah and delivering the people of Judah. His prayer states our lack of power to help ourselves and pleads for our Omnipotent Creator to show mercy for His children. It acknowledges our need to respond to God's love in praise and thanksgiving every day of our life. We too, like king Hezekiah, have been blessed and delivered from the gates of sheol (the grave): Matthew 16 verse 18-19; Revelation 1verses17-18. Marvel at the wonderful metaphors and imagery that Hezekiah uses to describe the frailty of humanity. Meditate on the significance of his exhortation to us in verses 19-20. King Hezekiah is given a sign that he will recover in Isaiah 38:21. 2 Peter is also written to the dispersed Jews in Asia Minor ie Turkey. It commences in the same way as the first letter. The time of writing is in 66-67 AD and the persecution by Nero is now at its fiercest. According to tradition, the two foremost leaders of the believers, Paul and Peter, were both executed in 67 AD. Clues in Peter's 2nd epistle indicate that the most likely date of the epistle is 67 AD. Believers in Christ Jesus had attained to the same precious faith as the great Apostle to the Jews. From verses 3-15 these disciples are urged to make their calling and election ie selection by God sure. Peter tells them in verses 2-4 that our Father has given them all things that are necessary for a godly life; and that these great promises, which they now share, are graciously granted them offering believers a sharing of the Father's character and life. From verses 5-7 Peter enumerates the virtues being developed by God in their lives. These virtues are not sequential, but rather they are a group of traits befitting saints, and to be cultivated simultaneously. They summarise the character of our Lord Jesus Christ, outlined in Matthew 5:1-12. Great blessings accompany such saints who, in measure, develop the character of their Lord Jesus Christ. These divine virtues are called by brother Marshall – “The Portrait of a Saint”. Belief is the foundation upon which the faithful build (and that foundation is Christ Jesus see 1 Corinthians 3 verses 10-15 and Ephesians 2:19-22. Peter elaborates further on this theme at the start of chapter 2). The last 2 are at the apex of the developing saint's life – brotherly kindness (Philadelphos) and love (agape, self-sacrificing love); embody both of these fully exemplified in our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. Where these qualities abound fruit is produced in the disciple. But a short-sighted approach stultifies the life of a disciple; and is the product of forgetting and neglect. In the practising of these qualities the disciples will attain the glory and the kingdom, which they seek. Peter would strive with his last breath to remind them of this. The Apostle speaks of “departure” (Greek “exodus” verse 15). The Tabernacle; of “the ecclesia in the wilderness” (Acts 7:44). This was emblematic of the LORD going with them. Peter talks of the entrance (“eisodus”) into the kingdom. How frequently is the theme stated, “Yahweh BROUGHT you out of Egypt, that He might BRING you into the land promised to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). Verses 16-21 speak of Christ's incomparable glory and the transcending greatness of the prophetic Word of our God (compare 1 Peter 1 verses 22-25). There can be no mistaking what we (Peter, James and John) saw on the Mount of Transfiguration – compare with Luke 9 verses 28-38. The glory of Moses and Elijah paled into insignificance alongside the glory of the Son of God – John 1 verses14-15. And that glory was reminiscent of the Father's own glory (Hebrews 1-1-4). As great as the prophetic Word was when spoken through Moses and Elijah the Father's Word from heaven boomed, “This is my Beloved Son, HEAR HIM”. If this witness was not enough, we have the added testimony of the prophetic Word centred on, and embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. The prophetic Word shines more brightly as we see its fulfilment day by day. (Proverbs 4 verses 18-19). Prophecy never originated from the prophet's own mind. Instead the inspired Word of God found its source in holy men of God being “impelled”, or “driven along” by God's power. And so although the style of the prophet is individual, the message is infallibly that of the Almighty (see 2 Timothy 3 verses 14-17). In chapter 2 Peter deals with the tragedy of false teaching. Peter uses Biblical history to show that those who would attempt to deflect God's elect are always active among the believers. The Apostle Peter uses 3 historical examples. These examples are similar to those in Jude's letter – one from before the flood; one from the era of Abraham; and another from the time of the Wilderness wanderings in Moses' epoch. Peter explains the inevitability of false teachers arising from their midst (compare Acts 20 verses 29-32). Peter says that the errorists are not genuine – the words that these false teachers use are called “feigned” (Greek “plastos”) – taught for effect, with no concern for truth. The doctrine is moulded to fit the teacher's designs (2 Timothy 4 verses 1-5). But God has long ago decided to destroy people like this (See Revelation 22verses 15). The first example is in verse 5 and speaks of the gainsayers opposing Noah (cp Jude verses 14-16). The second is from the era of faithful Abraham (2 Peter 2verses 6-10). These verses tell of total detesting by God of homosexuality. And lastly, verses 10 (the second half) to verse 11. Here Peter deals with the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram against Moses (also in Jude verses 5-7; the original account being in Numbers 14). All of those historical events highlight two Divine principles – 1) Yahweh demonstrated His capacity to deliver the righteous out of their trial; and, 2) that the ungodly have been earmarked by the Almighty for judgment and destruction (Acts 17verses 30-31). Verse 17 uses metaphors to describe these vain talkers. Verses 18-19 reveal the true motives of those apostates. And verses 20-22 a further two metaphors describe their sickening behaviours. Those who once knew God's truth, but chose to turn away are described in two tragic pictures which illustrate God's perspective. These reprobates are like dogs eating their own vomit; or like washed pigs returning to their miry muddy past. Audio Player
We see more of Sampson's story today, and we encounter a theme that will remain constant throughout his life. Sampson lives recklessly. He lives out of control. The Lord is able to use him, yes, and even the most out-of-control life can be used by God. But Sampson lives totally out of control. He breaks the law, he makes his parents unclean, he is prideful, he is cocky, he lives in a way that is destructive to him and to others. Today, what are you living for? How are you living? Are you living controlled, or are you totally out of control? Let us be careful today, how we live. Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2014&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
On today's episode, Pastor Cameron reminds us that Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the Strong One who is always sweet to His people.
25th May 2025: Continuing to look at the story of Samson, we see the danger of God's people assimilating with the world and becoming indistinct…and what God does about it.
Samson Does What is Right in His Own EyesJudges 14:1-20Sunday (5-18-25) night Bible Study
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Welcome to the Daily Disciple Podcast. As daily disciples, we seek to adore and follow Jesus, our teacher, into the abundant life that he offers. Because we find Jesus to be irresistible and fascinating and incredibly practical, we want to be students of his scripture. Today's episode is found in Judges 14 "Entangled"
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JUDGES | Unchecked Desire | Judges 14 | Kort Marley by Providence Community Church
Samson’s marriage to a Philistine woman. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07 Judges 14-15; 19 Psalms 69; 1 Corinthians 11
Pastor Taylor Gabbert continues in our study of the life of Samson as we make our way through the book of Judges.
Summary of Judges 14Judges 14 tells the story of Samson, a man chosen by God with incredible strength.Samson goes to Timnah and falls in love with a Philistine woman (even though Israelites weren't supposed to marry Philistines).His parents are unsure but go with him.On the way, Samson kills a lion with his bare hands, and later finds bees and honey in its carcass. He eats the honey and gives some to his parents, but doesn't tell them where it came from.At the wedding feast, Samson gives the Philistines a riddle:"Out of the eater came something to eat,Out of the strong came something sweet."They can't solve it, so they get Samson's wife to coax the answer from him.She nags for seven days until he tells her, and she tells them.When they answer the riddle, Samson knows what happened and says:"If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle."In anger, he kills 30 Philistines to pay the wager.Then he leaves, and his wife is given to another man.Your words were found and I ate them
Send us a textSamson - a man with muscles, long hair, and BRAINS. As Erika unpacks Judges 14, we watch Samson "go down." Not only does he go down in altitude, but also in character and choices. Samson is supposed to save his people from the Philistines, but he continually chooses what is right in his eyes. (We've known since Genesis 3 that is not a good idea.) Judges 14 sets up multiple ways we watch Samson choose what is right in his own eyes. Erika mentions the books series by Lynn Austin.Our website - www.thecontextandcolorofthebible.comWe are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | FacebookWe are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebibleWe are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTubeWe are on Pinterest - The Context and Color of the BibleMusic: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Today, Fr. Mike begins to read Samson's story and points out that Samson, despite his physical strength, has a lot of weaknesses. The readings are Judges 12-15 and Psalm 146. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Judges14:1–16:31 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
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Growing up, you might have been taught that Samson was a hero. But is that true? Was Samson someone we should mirror? In today's episode, Jensen shares how Judges 14reminds us that God can use messy people for good. We love to hear from you all! If you're listening on Spotify, drop a comment below and tell us your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Read the Bible with us in 2025! This year, we're exploring the Historical Books—Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter@TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: Judges 14
20 Proverbs 23; 07 Judges 14-19; 19 Psalms 52-56; 43 John 21; 44 Acts 1-3
Bible Studies with Pastor Tim Molter - Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls
Judges 14-15 “A Wedding Gone Wrong” 1. Samson's marriage plans (Ch.14:1-11) 2. A riddle and romance ruse (Ch.14:12-20) 3. A burning desire for revenge (Ch.15:1-8) 4. The jawbone of a donkey (Ch.15:9-20)
In the summer of 2024, we had the privilege of hosting Pastor Jason Gaddis, who delivered a compelling message titled “Living a Perplexing Life” to our teenage campers. In this sermon, Pastor Gaddis challenged the youth to lead lives burdened for the lost, thereby making a significant impact for the cause of Christ.
Mike reviews the life and times of one of the most iconic and erratic characters of the Old Testament.
Mike reviews the life and times of one of the most iconic and erratic characters of the Old Testament.
The chapter highlights Samson's strength and weaknesses.
Right in Our Own Eyes | Chuck Colson | Judges 14.1-20 by Christ Church Presbyterian
In this week's message, we're diving into the story of Samson from Judges 14 and 15. Samson's life was full of potential, but he craved more than what God intended for him. Whether it was in his relationships, his desires, or his ambitions, Samson wanted to take control. We'll explore how four things—sex, sweets, stuff, and respect—became stumbling blocks in his journey, leading to consequences that still speak to us today. What happens when a good thing becomes a "god" thing? Join us as we uncover the powerful lessons from Samson's story that can reshape how we live.
The caution signs we often blow through on our way down, and the plan god has to provide a way out.
In Week 4 of the Samson series, we explore the heart of Samson's actions and the deeper spiritual realities behind them. Through the stories in Judges 14 and 15, we uncover Samson's hidden motives and the hidden sins in his life. By connecting these passages with New Testament teachings like James 5:16 and 1 John 2:15-17, and Old Testament promises in Ezekiel 36, this sermon calls us to confront our inner struggles and how we often try to mask our spiritual condition. Samson's story reminds us of the dangers of allowing pride, anger, and worldly desires to rule over us. We also look to the words of Jesus in Matthew 23 to focus on cleaning the inside of our hearts, not just the outside. Join us as we reflect on how we can open our hearts to God's transforming work through the Spirit.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
In Week 3 of the Samson series, we take a deep dive into the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as seen in both the Old and New Testaments. By examining Samson's life in Judges 13 and 14, alongside passages from Numbers and other books, this sermon reflects on how the Spirit empowered Samson and how His role is consistent and transforming throughout the Bible. From the Spirit's work in Old Testament figures to the promised outpouring of the Spirit in Joel and the indwelling of believers in the New Testament, we gain a greater understanding of how the Holy Spirit operates in our lives today. Join us as we explore how God's Spirit continues to guide, convict, and empower His people for His purposes.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Judges14;Acts18;Jeremiah27;Mark13 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Today, Fr. Mike begins to read Samson's story and points out that Samson, despite his physical strength, has a lot of weaknesses. The readings are Judges 12-15 and Psalm 146. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.