Judges 14:11
Samson had traveled down to the Philistine city of Timnah in order to take a Philistine wife, a move that was part of God’s plan to confront the pagan oppressors of Israel at that time. As the wedding feast was prepared, the text says, *“When they saw him, they brought thirty companions to be with him.”* (v.11) These “companions” were likely Philistine men assigned to Samson as groomsmen or attendants, but they may also have been there to keep an eye on this enigmatic Israelite who possessed extraordinary strength and came from a different culture. Timnah was located in the coastal plains near the southwestern border of Israel, and it was under Philistine influence, making Samson’s marriage arrangement a provocative choice that foreshadowed bigger confrontations.
Samson himself was a member of the tribe of Dan, placed historically around the late 11th century BC. He judged Israel for twenty years, consistently clashing with the Philistines in feats of supernatural ability. Scripture reveals that he was set apart from birth by a Nazirite vow, which is why his long hair became a symbol of his commitment to God. This planned wedding to a Philistine woman in Timnah sets the stage in Judges 14 for the riddles, betrayals, and divine acts of retribution that soon followed, illuminating how God could use even non-traditional means to deliver His people from oppression. citeturn0file8
By gathering these thirty attendants around Samson, the Philistines ensured that they had both celebrants and guards who could watch over this unique visitor from Israel. It highlights the tension permeating the region at that time—Israel and the Philistines were in a constant struggle, and Samson’s remarkable calling placed him at the center of a brewing conflict. Later in Judges 14, we see how the dynamics of this wedding feast escalated into a test of wit and loyalty when Samson proposed a famous riddle.
This verse shows the Philistines assigning thirty watchers to Samson’s wedding feast, foreshadowing the tensions that would spark Samson’s ongoing struggle against Philistine rule.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.
- Judges 2:11-15 meaning. The Israelites fall into idolatry, abandoning the Lord to serve the Baals and Ashtaroth. This disobedience provokes God’s anger, leading to their oppression by enemies and severe distress, as He fulfills the warnings given to them.
- Judges 3:9-11 meaning. In response to Israel’s cry for help, God raises up Othniel, who delivers the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Othniel leads Israel to victory and ushers in a period of peace that lasts forty years.