A Quick Look at Samson's Life
A. Samson wants a (strange) wife (Judges 14:1-4)
Samson wants to marry a Philistine. (Judges 14:1). Recall, the job of a Nazarite was to teach Israel about separation. And the very first thing we see is Samson going after a non-Jewish girl. It’s extremely telling that the very first action God records about Samson is him being LESS separated than most Israelites rather than MORE separated. Why did he do it? Because it “pleaseth me well” (Judges 14:3) In other words, Samson is saying, “It’s all about me!” But here’s the strange part, the Lord helped Samson:
(Judges 14:4) But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.
This DOES NOT mean God guided Samson to break God’s laws (Judges 14:4). It DOES mean that God planned to use Samson’s actions to further God’s plans. Samson is supposed to be separated unto the Lord. This is just a little weird
B. Samson fights a Lion in the Vineyard (Judges 14:5-7)
He was in a vineyard (grapes) when a lion shows up (14:5). Remember what he is specifically commanded NOT to eat as a Nazarite? Grapes! I’m not saying he ate grapes but what is he doing in a vineyard? Jump down to the last part of verse 6 – he went to the vineyard alone and didn’t tell his folks where he was.
The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him (14:6). He kills a lion with his bare hands – but doesn’t tell his folks (16:6). He’s supposed to be separated but he’s going down to get a Philistine girl. He’s not supposed to eat grapes but he’s in a vineyard. He’s not supposed to get near any dead creature but he kills a lion.
He is headed down to talk to the future Mrs. Samson (14:7). So far, so good. He gets strength from the Spirit of the Lord (Holy Spirit) to kill the lion. So, maybe this is a little weird.
C. Samson gets Honey out of the Carcass of the Lion (Judges 14:8-9)
Going back to his fiancé, he stops to look at the carcass (weird) (14:8). Samson sees bees IN the carcass of the dead lion (14:8). He reaches in and takes some honey out and eats. (14:9) Should he do this?
He’s not supposed to go near anything that is dead.
He killed the lion (so he touched it)
He put his hand inside a dead lion.
Then he ate something that was inside the dead lion.
Again, he doesn’t tell his parents where he got the honey he gave them (14:9). His parents know he should not get near something that is dead. This is getting a little weirder all the time.