Samson went down to Timnah, saw a Philistine woman he liked (3,7), and wanted to marry her. His parents opposed it since God strongly discouraged intermarriage in order for the Israelites to keep their identity as God's people (EX 34:16, Dt 7:3). The author indicates this was from God (4). It does not mean Samson knew God's plan and gave himself to the marriage. Instead, God knew Samson's weakness with lust and lack of discernment as God's servant. However, God utilized Samson in his work as the man that he was.

The rest of the chapter tells us about Samson's carnal lifestyle. He had been friendly toward the Philistines, but raged against them as his wife gave in to her family and friends to manipulate him to get the answer to the riddle, leading him to lose the bet. Samson lacked spiritual discernment and acted on his human desire. Yet God led him to choose between his father's home and the Philistines, making it clear where he was supposed to stand.


Application: Father, thank you for guiding me with your spirit each day. Please help me to choose to stand with your people each day.
One Word: God guided Samson