“Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.” Judges 14:3

The Israelites are in subjection to the Philistines at this time in their history, because they had rebelled against God. Every time they turned from following God, they were captured by a surrounding nation and had to pay taxes to them. As we read through the book of Judges, we see that God continually raised up a hero, someone who would deliver the Israelite nation from their enemies. Samson was chosen for this task at this particular time.

We first meet the adult Samson in chapter 14. He has met a Philistine woman from the city of Timnah, and wants to marry her. His words to his parents in v3 are telling: “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.” He would not heed their objections, or obey the God given law instructing the Israelites not to marry anyone from the surrounding pagan nations. He was determined to get what he wanted, regardless of anything or anyone else. Several verses later, the same statement is repeated: “He went down and talked with the woman, and she was right in Samson’s eyes” v7.

Sandwiched between these two statements is the first instance where Samson’s superhuman strength is revealed.

In verses 5 – 6, Samson and his parents are on their way to talk with his future bride. His parents went on ahead and Samson is alone when a young lion suddenly appears, roaring loudly. Though he has nothing with which to defend himself, “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him” and Samson killed the animal with his bare hands.

This framing of the 2 verses of Samson wanting what was right in his own eyes, highlights the great irony of Samsons life: though physically strong, Samson is morally weak. His constant attraction to pagan women was in stark contrast to his Nazarite calling and separation to service of God.

Tomorrow will we see the sad consequences that follow Samson’s self-centred choice.