141 Then Samson went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah , one of the daughters of the Philistines . 2 So he came back and told his father and mother , "I saw a woman in Timnah , one of the daughters of the Philistines ; now therefore, get her for me as a wife ." 3 Then his father and his mother said to him, "Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives , or among all our people , that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines ?" But Samson said to his father , "Get her for me, for she looks e good to me." 4 However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord , for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines . Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel . 5 Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother , and came as far as the vineyards of Timnah ; and behold , a young lion came roaring toward him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 14:1-5
Commentary on Judges 14:1-4
(Read Judges 14:1-4)
As far as Samson's marriage was a common case, it was weak and foolish of him to set his affections upon a daughter of the Philistines. Shall one, not only an Israelite, but a Nazarite, devoted to the Lord, covet to become one with a worshipper of Dagon? It does not appear that he had any reason to think her wise or virtuous, or any way likely to be a help meet for him; but he saw something in her agreeable to his fancy. He that, in the choice of a wife, is only guided by his eye, and governed by his fancy, must afterwards thank himself if he find a Philistine in his arms. Yet it was well done not to proceed till Samson had made his parents acquainted with the matter. Children ought not to marry, nor to move towards it, without the advice and consent of their parents. Samson's parents did well to dissuade him from yoking himself unequally with unbelievers. It seems that it pleased God to leave Samson to follow his own inclinations, intending to bring out good from his conduct; and his parents consented, because he was bent upon it. However, his example is not recorded for us to do likewise.
Commentary on Judges 14:5-9
(Read Judges 14:5-9)
By enabling him to kill a lion, God let Samson know what he could do in the strength of the Spirit of the Lord, that he might never be afraid to look the greatest difficulties in the face. He was alone in the vineyards, whither he had rambled. Young people consider not how they exposed themselves to the roaring lion that seeks to devour, when they wander from their prudent, pious parents. Nor do men consider what lions lurk in the vineyards, the vineyards of red wines. Our Lord Jesus having conquered Satan, that roaring lion, believers, like Samson, find honey in the carcass abundant strength and satisfaction, enough for themselves, and for all their friends.