Judges 14:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 14:1-9

Here, I. Samson, under the extraordinary guidance of Providence, seeks an occasion of quarrelling with the Philistines, by joining in affinity with them?a strange method, but the truth is Samson was himself a riddle, a paradox of a man, did that which was really great and good, by that which was seemingly weak and evil, because he was designed not to be a pattern to us (who must walk by rule, not by example), but a type of him who, though he knew no sin, was made sin for us, and appeared in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 14:3

Then his father and his mother said unto him ,.... What he might expect, and doubtless did expect: is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines ? none in their own family, nor in the tribe of Dan, nor among the whole nation of Israel, but must go among the uncircumcised Philistines; for though they were not of the seven nations of the Canaanites, with whom marriage was forbidden, yet... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 14:3

Is there never a woman - To marry with any that did not belong to the Israelitish stock, was contrary to the law, Exodus 34:16 ; Deuteronomy 7:3 . But this marriage of Samson was said to be of the Lord, Judges 14:4 ; that is, God permitted it, (for in no other sense can we understand the phrase), that it might be a means of bringing about the deliverance of Israel. For she pleaseth me well - בעיני היאישרה כי ki hi yisherah beeynai , for she is right in my eyes.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 14:3

The uncircumcised Philistines - Compare 1 Samuel 14:6; 1Sa 17:26; 1 Samuel 31:4, for a similar use of the term as one of reproach. Also Acts 11:3. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 14:3

Judges 14:3. To take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines With whom the Israelites were forbidden to marry. For although the Philistines were not Canaanites in their original, yet they were so in their concurrence with them in wickedness, and therefore were liable to the same judgments with them. Get her for me This action of Samson’s, though against common rules, seems to be warranted by the direction of God, (mentioned in the following words,) which was known to Samson, but not to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 14:1-20

Samson’s exploits (14:1-16:31)So dominant were the Philistines in Israel, that the Israelites had decided to live with them peacefully rather than try to rise up in armed rebellion. Samson had other ideas. He thought that his marriage to a Philistine woman would give him the opportunity to do some harm to the enemy (14:1-4).In spite of Samson’s desire to help Israel, he had little respect for either his Nazirite vow or the Israelite law. He handled a dead lion, married a Philistine woman and... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Judges 14:3

take a wife of, &c. An unlawful connection. Compare Exodus 34:16 . Deuteronomy 7:3 , with Joshua 23:12 . pleaseth me well. Hebrew is right in mine eyes. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Judges 14:3

3, 4. Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren—that is, "of thine own tribe"—a Danite woman. Samson said . . . Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well—literally, "she is right in mine eyes"; not by her beautiful countenance or handsome figure, but right or fit for his purpose. And this throws light on the historian's remark in reference to the resistance of his parents: they "knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines"—rather, "from... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 14:1-4

Samson’s decision to marry a Philistine 14:1-4Timnah was only about four miles southwest of Zorah. The word "woman" in Judges 14:2 is in the emphatic position in the Hebrew text. Samson described her to his parents as the ideal woman from his viewpoint. Dating as we know it in the West was unknown in Samson’s culture. The parents of young people contacted each other and arranged for their children to meet and eventually to marry.Samson’s godly parents’ response to his desire was undoubtedly a... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 14:1-20

2. Samson’s intended marriage to the Timnite ch. 14Chapter 13 describes Samson’s potential: his godly heritage, supernatural birth, calling in life, and divine enablement. The Israelites enjoyed each of these privileges, as does every Christian. Chapter 14 reveals Samson’s problem and God’s providence."Despite all these advantages and this special attention, Samson accomplishes less on behalf of his people than any of his predecessors. Perhaps herein lies his significance. . . . Though Samson... read more

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