20: God’s Providence behind the Samson’s Riddle (Judges 14:1 – 20)

They didn’t know how the Lord would start to deliver Israel through Samson as he tried to marry a Philistine woman. It was hidden from their eyes just as Samson’s riddle was hidden.

Read Judges 14:1 - 20

Q1. What were the two motives—one human and one divine—behind Samson’s marriage? (Judges 14:3-4)

Samson chose the Philistine girl based on his own fleshly desire against the Lord’s command that banned pagan marriage. However, despite Samson’s personal motives, the Lord used his decision to accomplish His greater purpose—to deliver Israel.

“She is the right one for me (in my eyes).” This statement echoes the central theme of the Book of Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25, ESV). Israel had fallen into complete moral depravity, and even Samson, the judge, and lifelong Nazirite, acted like the rest of the people, doing whatever seemed right according to his own desires and reasoning. How could the Lord deliver Israel through such an unqualified judge? We will see God’s way in the following chapters.

Q2. What was the Samson’s riddle?

Out of the eater came something to eat

This phrase reflects an unexpected outcome—honey (a source of sustenance) coming from the destroyer of life (or dead body). In a broader sense, it symbolizes how God brings blessings and sustenance out of destructive or deadly situations. It was God who actually caused honey to come out of the lion's carcass. 

Out of the strong came something sweet

This suggests strength producing an outcome of unexpected sweetness. Similarly, God's providence often works through trials, hardships, or unexpected means (like Samson's victories) to bring about His redemptive purposes.

Samson's riddle can be interpreted as a metaphor for God's providence in salvation. 

Samson's actions, though often flawed, were used by God to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). The riddle encapsulates how God works in surprising ways, using even morally ambiguous or chaotic situations to fulfill His salvific plan.

The riddle reflects a theological truth about salvation: God can bring something good (e.g., salvation) from what seems harmful or broken (e.g., human sin or suffering). God's power transforms seemingly hopeless situations into opportunities for redemption.

Q3. The Bible alludes that God’s mysterious providence was hidden just as Samson’s riddle had been hidden from the Philistines. Find the verses containing these verbs: realize, tell, solve, or know. 

His parents did not realize this was the Lord’s doing. (4)

Samson didn’t tell his parents. (6, 9)

They could not solve the riddle for three days. (14)

Samson has not told his parents. (16)

Finally, Samson revealed the answer to her, and she passed it on to them. (17)

The riddle of Samson highlights the mysterious nature of God’s providence. Just as the riddle could not be solved without being revealed, God’s providence must be made known for us to understand it.

Q4. Why did Samson get angry? 

They cheated through Samson’s wife.

Samson’s weakness was woman and temper. The world is shrewd enough to approach us through our weaknesses whatever it is. However, the Lord uses Samson’s weakness and failure to deliver Israel.

Samson's parents could not comprehend the providence of God behind his marriage—it was a riddle to them. Yet, had they held onto God's promise that "He will begin to deliver Israel," they might have looked forward with faith to witnessing His marvelous fulfillment of that word through Samson.

When you hold God's word in your heart, life will no longer feel like a series of unsolvable puzzles. Instead, you will anticipate experiencing His extraordinary intervention and fulfilling His good purposes with gratitude. God's word is the key to unlocking life's mysteries.