Judges 14
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Commentaries
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SAMSON DESIRES A WIFE OF THE PHILISTINES. (Jdg 14:1-5) Timnath--now Tibna, about three miles from Zorah, his birthplace. saw a woman . . . of the Philistines; and told his father and his mother, and said, . . . get her for me to wife--In the East parents did, and do in many cases still, negotiate the marriage alliances for their sons. During their period of ascendency, the Philistine invaders had settled in the towns; and the intercourse between them and the Israelites was often of such a friendly and familiar character as to issue in matrimonial relations. Moreover, the Philistines were not in the number of the seven devoted nations of Canaan [Deu 7:1-3] --with whom the law forbade them to marry.
Open source ↗And Samson went down to Timnath,.... A city which by lot fell to the tribe of Judah, but was afterwards given to the tribe of Dan, and now in the hands of the Philistines, Jos 15:57. Judah is said to go up to it, because the place where he lived lay below it, Gen 38:13, but Samson is said to go down to it, because he lived above it. The Jews (t) differ about the reconciliation of these two places; some say there were two of this name, the one is a descent, and the other is an ascent; others say there was but one, so situated, that they that came to it on one side ascended, and they that came to it on the other side descended. Bochart (u) approves of the former. According to Bunting (w), this was twelve miles from Eshtaol, where Samson lived: and saw a woman in Timnath, of the daughters of the Philistines; who at this time dwelt there; he saw no doubt many other women besides her, but he took special notice of her, and entertained a particular affection for her; or, in other words, on sight of her fell in love with her. (t) T. Bab. Sotah, fol. 10. 1. (u) IIierozoic. par. 1. l. 3. c. 4. col. 763, 764. (w) Travels, &c. p. 115.
Open source ↗Samson's First Transactions with the Philistines. - Jdg 14:1-9. At Tibnath, the present Tibne, an hour's journey to the south-west of Sur'a (see at Jos 15:10), to which Samson had gone down from Zorea or Mahaneh-dan, he saw a daughter of the Philistines who pleased him; and on his return he asked his parents to take her for him as a wife (לקח, to take, as in Exo 21:9).
Open source ↗Here, I. Samson, under the extraordinary guidance of Providence, seeks an occasion of quarrelling with the Philistines, by joining in affinity with them - a strange method, but the truth is Samson was himself a riddle, a paradox of a man, did that which was really great and good, by that which was seemingly weak and evil, because he was designed not to be a pattern to us (who must walk by rule, not by example), but a type of him who, though he knew no sin, was made sin for us, and appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh, that he might condemn and destroy sin in the flesh, Rom 8:3. 1. As the negotiation of Samson's marriage was a common case, we may observe, (1.) That is was weakly and foolishly done of him to set his affections upon a daughter of the Philistines; the thing appeared very improper. Shall one that is not only an Israelite, but a Nazarite, devoted to the Lord, covet to become one with a worshipper of Dagon? Shall one marked for a patriot of his country match among those that are its sworn enemies? He saw this woman (Jdg 14:1), and she pleased him well, Jdg 14:3. It does not appear that he had any reason to think her wise or virtuous, or in any way likely to be a help-meet for him; but he saw something in her face that was very agreeable to his fancy, and therefore nothing will serve but she must be his wife. He that in the choice of a wife is guided only by his eye, and governed by his fancy, must afterwards thank himself if he find a Philistine in his arms. (2.) Yet it was wisely and well done not to proceed so much as to make his addresses to her till he had first made his parents acquainted with the matter. He told them, and desired them to get her for him to wife, Jdg 14:2. Herein he is an example to all children. Conformably to the law of the fifth co…
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshôwn, H8123) — Shimshon, an Israelite יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… תִּמְנָה (Timnâh, H8553) — Timnah, the name of two places in Palestine רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth
Open source ↗עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman תִּמְנָה (Timnâh, H8553) — Timnah, the name of two places in Palestine בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Open source ↗אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אַיִן (ʼayin, H369) — a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) עָרֵל (ʻârêl, H6189) — uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed) פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshôwn, H8123) — Shimshon, an Israelite יָשַׁר (yâshar, H3474) — to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant,…
Open source ↗אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God בָּקַשׁ (bâqash, H1245) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to… תַּאֲנָה (taʼănâh, H8385) — an opportunity or (subjectively) purpose פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth עֵת (ʻêth, H6256) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc. מָשַׁל (mâshal, H4910) — to rule יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshôwn, H8123) — Shimshon, an Israelite אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… תִּמְנָה (Timnâh, H8553) — Timnah, the name of two places in Palestine בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) כֶּרֶם (kerem, H3754) — a garden or vineyard כְּפִיר (kᵉphîyr, H3715) — a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane) אֲרִי (ʼărîy, H738) — a lion שָׁאַג (shâʼag, H7580) — to rumble or moan קִרְאָה (qirʼâh, H7125) — an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
Open source ↗רוּחַ (rûwach, H7307) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָלַח (tsâlach, H6743) — to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ, H8156) — to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid גְּדִי (gᵉdîy, H1423) — a young goat (from browsing) מְאוּמָה (mᵉʼûwmâh, H3972) — properly, a speck or point, i.e. (by implication) something; with negative, nothing יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Open source ↗יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman יָשַׁר (yâshar, H3474) — to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant,… שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshôwn, H8123) — Shimshon, an Israelite עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Open source ↗יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… מַפֶּלֶת (mappeleth, H4658) — fall, i.e. decadence; concretely, a ruin; specifically a carcase אֲרִי (ʼărîy, H738) — a lion עֵדָה (ʻêdâh, H5712) — a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd) דְּבוֹרָה (dᵉbôwrâh, H1682) — the bee (from its systematic instincts) דְּבַשׁ (dᵉbash, H1706) — honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup גְּוִיָּה (gᵉvîyâh, H1472) — a body, whether alive or dead
Open source ↗רָדָה (râdâh, H7287) — to tread down, i.e. subjugate; specifically, to crumble off כַּף (kaph, H3709) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of… יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… דְּבַשׁ (dᵉbash, H1706) — honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup גְּוִיָּה (gᵉvîyâh, H1472) — a body, whether alive or dead אֲרִי (ʼărîy, H738) — a lion
Open source ↗אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshôwn, H8123) — Shimshon, an Israelite עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, H4960) — drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally)… בָּחוּר (bâchûwr, H970) — properly, selected, i.e. a youth (often collective)
Open source ↗רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym, H7970) — thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth מֵרֵעַ (mêrêaʻ, H4828) — a friend
Open source ↗שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshôwn, H8123) — Shimshon, an Israelite אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) חוּד (chûwd, H2330) — properly, to tie a knot, i.e. (figuratively) to propound a riddle חִידָה (chîydâh, H2420) — a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, H4960) — drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally)… מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym, H7970) — thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth סָדִין (çâdîyn, H5466) — a wrapper, i.e. shirt חֲלִיפָה (chălîyphâh, H2487) — alternation בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage
Open source ↗יָכֹל (yâkôl, H3201) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might) נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym, H7970) — thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth סָדִין (çâdîyn, H5466) — a wrapper, i.e. shirt חֲלִיפָה (chălîyphâh, H2487) — alternation בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) חוּד (chûwd, H2330) — properly, to tie a knot, i.e. (figuratively) to propound a riddle חִידָה (chîydâh, H2420) — a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,…
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… מַאֲכָל (maʼăkâl, H3978) — an eatable (includ. provender, flesh and fruit) עַז (ʻaz, H5794) — strong, vehement, harsh מָתוֹק (mâthôwq, H4966) — sweet יָכֹל (yâkôl, H3201) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might) שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… חִידָה (chîydâh, H2420) — a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Elon, Timnah, Ekron,
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.
The border curled westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, ran along the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth-shemesh, and crossed to Timnah.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.
“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.
the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.