A Backfired Joke Series

As Samson's father was making final arrangements for the marriage, Samson threw a party at Timnah as was the custom for elite young men. When the bride's parents saw him, 30 young men were selected from the town to be his companions. Judges 14:10-11

Samson said to them, "Let me tell you a riddle. If you solve my riddle during these 7 days of the celebration, I will give you 30 fine linen robes and 30 sets of festive clothing. But if you can't solve it then you must give me 30 fine linen robes and 30 sets of festive clothing." They agreed and the riddle went like this: Out of the one who eats came something sweet to eat; out of something strong came something sweet." Three days later, they were still trying to figure it out. Judge 14:12-15

Interesting that he told a riddle out of something he did.

Eventually, they went to Samson's wife and said, "Entice your husband to explain the riddle for us or we will burn down your father's house with you in it. Did you invite us to this party just to make us poor?" Not everyone likes riddles but threatening to murder someone over it is extreme and unnecessary.

So, Samson's wife came to him in tears and said, "You don't love me; you hate me! You have given my people a riddle, but you haven't told me the answer." Samson told her, "I haven't even given the answer to my father or mother. Why should I tell you?" So, she cried whenever she was with him and kept it up for the rest of the celebration. Finally on the 7th day, he told her the answer because she was tormenting him with her nagging. Then she explained the riddle to the young men. Judges 14:16-17

Be very careful of adults who will start crying because they don't get their way. They're not crying because they're truly sad. They're using their tears as a tool of manipulation.

This is also why you should NEVER make a commitment to someone based on looks because a deceitful heart could be hiding behind a beautiful exterior. Take time to get to know people. You must first be friends before you go out on a date with them.

So, before sunset of the 7th day, the men of the town came to Samson with their answer:” What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" Samson replied, "If you hadn't plowed my heifer, you wouldn't have solved my riddle!" Judges 14:18 Samson's response most likely came when he realized his wife had told them the answer to his riddle.

Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. He went down to the town of Ashkelon, killed 30 men, took their belongings, and gave their clothing to the men who solved the riddle. But Samson was furious about what happened, and he went back home to his father and mother. His wife was given in marriage to Samson's best man as a result. Judges 14:19-20

So here are the lessons.

1. Never marry a stranger...especially if they don't share your faith. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

2. Don't defile yourself and others by looking back on the past things that are dead. Remember Lot's wife. Luke 17:32

3. Not everyone likes riddles so get to know people before telling one.

4. Never get into or stay in a relationship with someone who uses their emotions to get something out of you. It's a waste of time and energy dealing with that kind of drama. Plus, it's a form of witchcraft.

5. Not everything you say in private will stay private. Be careful with who you share your information with.