Judges 14:3
*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 good to me.”* (v.3) This verse opens with Samson’s parents—his father, traditionally understood to be Manoah, and his mother, whose name is not provided—expressing concern about Samson’s choice of a Philistine bride. The Philistines were outside the covenant community of Israel. Samson’s parents question why he would choose a spouse from those who worshiped other gods, rather than from among “all [their] people,” highlighting the tension created by intermixing with a group that opposed God’s ways.
Samson was a Judge in Israel during an era that likely took place around the 12th century BC, a time when various local leaders rose to deliver the Israelites from oppression. The Philistines occupied much of the southwestern region of Canaan, controlling areas near the Mediterranean coast. The city of Timnah, located in the hill country that shared a border between Israelite and Philistine domains, served as the backdrop for Samson’s request. This historical setting underscores his parents’ alarm at forging a union with those who did not uphold the covenant that Israel had with God.
When Samson says, *“Get her for me, for she looks good to me,”* (v.3) he is acting out of personal desire and ignoring his parents’ reservations. This choice showcases how he is focused on immediate gratification rather than long-term faithfulness to his calling. In a broader biblical context, this tension can echo the New Testament principle that believers are to remain distinct from the influences of the world (see Romans 12:2 NASB-95), but also reminds us that even flawed human decisions can be woven into God’s overarching plan of deliverance.
Samson’s determination to marry a Philistine highlights both his human frailty and the sovereignty of God in using unexpected means to fulfill His purposes.
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 3:12-14 meaning. The Israelites fall back into sin, prompting God to strengthen Eglon, the king of Moab, who allies with Ammon and Amalek to defeat Israel. The Israelites are subjected to eighteen years of oppression under Eglon’s rule.
- Deuteronomy 14:3-8 meaning. Continuing the theme of holiness, Moses then moves to what food the Israelites were permitted to eat and what they were prohibited from eating. He specifies which land animals were acceptable as food and which ones were to be avoided.
- Judges 3:1-6 meaning. God allows certain nations in Canaan to continue to exist. This is an opportunity for Israel to grow in its faithfulness and learn how to defend itself. But these nations become a snare to Israel as they intermarry with the Canaanites and adopt their idolatrous practices.