Judges 14:10

KJV

¶ So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.

KJV (with Strong's)

So his father {H1} went down {H3381} unto the woman {H802}: and Samson {H8123} made {H6213} there a feast {H4960}; for so used the young men {H970} to do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His father went down to the woman, and there Shimshon gave a banquet - this is what the young men used to do.

Berean Standard Bible

Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom.

American Standard Version

And his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:10 details the formalization of Samson's controversial marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnath, highlighting the customary role of the father in such arrangements and the subsequent hosting of a traditional wedding feast by the groom. This verse, while seemingly a straightforward depiction of ancient marital rites, subtly underscores the tension between human agency and divine providence, as Samson's personal desires are interwoven with God's overarching plan to initiate conflict with the Philistines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the initial narrative of Samson's life, immediately following his strong insistence to his parents that he must have the Philistine woman from Timnath as his wife [Judges 14:1-3](/judges/14-1 "Judges 14:1-3 - Samson's Desire for a Philistine Wife"). Despite his parents' initial objections rooted in Mosaic law, the preceding verse explicitly states that this seemingly disobedient choice was "of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines" [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose"). Judges 14:10 thus marks the formal progression of this divinely orchestrated, albeit humanly flawed, union. It sets the stage for the subsequent events of the wedding feast, including Samson's riddle and the escalating conflict with the Philistines, which begins in [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - Samson's Riddle at the Feast").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite and Philistine societies shared many common marriage customs, including the central role of the father in arranging or approving unions. The phrase "his father went down unto the woman" signifies this formal paternal involvement, often entailing negotiations for a bride price and the establishment of an agreement. Intermarriage with foreign nations was explicitly forbidden by Mosaic law, particularly with groups like the Philistines who practiced idolatry [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"). Despite this prohibition, Samson, a Nazirite set apart for God from birth [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow"), actively participates in the common social customs of his era, including the hosting of a multi-day wedding feast, as indicated by the seven-day duration mentioned in [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - The Seven-Day Wedding Feast"). This feast was a public, communal celebration marking the new union.
* **Key Themes:** A primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Choices**, powerfully articulated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Actions"), where God uses Samson's personal desires—even those seemingly contrary to divine law—to advance His agenda against the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel. The verse also highlights **Ancient Marriage Customs**, illustrating the societal norms of the time regarding parental authority and the celebratory nature of wedding feasts. Furthermore, it touches upon **Samson's Conformity to Social Norms**, showing how, despite his unique Nazirite status, he engages in common practices, even those of the Philistines, setting a complex precedent for his character and actions throughout the book of Judges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went down (Hebrew, _yarad'_):** This verb literally means "to go down" and often implies a descent in elevation, as Timnath was likely at a lower altitude than Samson's home in Zorah. However, it can also carry a broader connotation of going to a place of lesser status or, in this context, simply moving from one location to another for a specific purpose. Here, it underscores the deliberate journey undertaken by Manoah to formalize the marriage arrangements.
* **Feast (Hebrew, _mishteh'_):** This term refers to a drinking party or banquet, emphasizing the convivial and celebratory atmosphere of the wedding festivities. It suggests a time of merriment, food, and drink, rather than a solemn religious ceremony. The duration of such feasts, often seven days (as seen in [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - The Duration of the Feast")), indicates their significant social and communal role.
* **Used...to do (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** This phrase, often translated as "customary" or "practiced," emphasizes that hosting such a feast was a widespread and expected social practice for grooms in that culture. It highlights Samson's adherence to prevailing societal norms, even as his larger life trajectory was meant to be set apart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ So his father went down unto the woman:"** This clause signifies the formal step taken by Samson's father, Manoah, to engage with the Philistine woman and her family. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marriage was a family affair, and the father played a crucial role in negotiating the terms, including the bride price and other arrangements. Manoah's presence indicates a level of parental sanction, however reluctant, to Samson's choice, fulfilling the cultural expectation of paternal involvement. The geographical "went down" likely reflects the topography between Zorah and Timnath.
* **"and Samson made there a feast;"** This describes Samson's active role as the groom in hosting the wedding celebration. The "feast" was not merely a meal but a multi-day social event, a public declaration and celebration of the new union. It was a time of communal gathering, feasting, and entertainment, serving to solidify the marital bond within the broader social fabric.
* **"for so used the young men to do."** This concluding phrase provides crucial cultural context, explaining that Samson's actions were in line with common practice. It underscores that hosting such a banquet was a customary expectation for grooms of the time, regardless of their background or specific vows. This detail highlights Samson's conformity to societal norms, even as his life was meant to be distinct as a Nazirite.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Economy**, conveying significant cultural information and advancing the plot concisely. The simple declarative sentences efficiently describe the formalization of the marriage and the subsequent celebration. There is also an element of **Irony** present, though subtle in this specific verse, which becomes more pronounced in the broader narrative. Samson, a Nazirite dedicated to God, is depicted conforming to Philistine social customs, including hosting a "feast" (often associated with drinking), which might seem at odds with his sacred calling. This conformity, however, is paradoxically part of God's larger plan, as explicitly stated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Use of Samson"). The feast itself serves as a **Foreshadowing** device, as it becomes the setting for Samson's riddle and the initial spark of conflict with the Philistines, thus serving as a catalyst for the divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:10, while descriptive of cultural practices, subtly reinforces profound theological truths about God's sovereignty and His ability to work through imperfect human choices. Despite Samson's apparent disregard for the Mosaic prohibition against intermarriage and his engagement in Philistine customs, God's overarching plan for Israel's deliverance from oppression remains active. This verse reminds us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human weakness or even disobedience; rather, He can providentially weave them into His grand design. It challenges us to look beyond immediate actions to discern the deeper divine hand at work, affirming that God's will ultimately prevails, even when the path is unconventional or fraught with human flaws.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage with Foreign Nations")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 14:10 provides a window into the complexities of faith lived out in a fallen world. It illustrates that even individuals chosen by God, like Samson, are deeply embedded in their cultural contexts and make choices that may not align with ideal divine standards. Yet, the narrative's overarching message is one of divine faithfulness and sovereignty: God can and does work through imperfect people and circumstances to accomplish His perfect will. For believers today, this offers immense comfort and a call to discerning faith. We are reminded that while we are called to obedience and holiness, God's redemptive plan is not contingent upon our flawless performance. Instead, He is able to redeem our missteps and integrate them into His larger story. This should inspire both humility regarding our own choices and profound trust in God's ultimate control and redemptive power, even when our lives or the world around us seem far from ideal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between Samson's personal desires and God's sovereign plan in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of divine providence?**
* **In what ways might cultural norms or expectations today influence believers' choices in ways that could be both beneficial and challenging to their faith?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the truth that God can work through imperfect circumstances (even those involving disobedience) offer to your own life?**

### FAQ

**Was Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman a sin, given the Mosaic law?**

Answer: From a strict interpretation of the Mosaic law, yes, intermarriage with foreign nations, particularly those who practiced idolatry like the Philistines, was prohibited [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"). This prohibition was intended to protect Israel's spiritual purity and prevent them from being led astray into idolatry. However, the narrative in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose") explicitly states that Samson's desire for this woman was "of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines." This presents a theological tension: while Samson's choice was seemingly disobedient, God sovereignly used it as a means to initiate conflict with Israel's oppressors. This does not condone disobedience but highlights God's ability to work through complex and even flawed human actions to achieve His righteous purposes.

**What was the significance of Samson making a "feast" at his wedding?**

Answer: The "feast" (Hebrew _mishteh_) was a customary and significant social event in ancient Near Eastern weddings. It was a multi-day banquet, often lasting seven days [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - The Seven-Day Wedding Feast"), involving food, drink, and entertainment. For the groom to "make" or host this feast was a standard expectation for young men of that era, as the verse explicitly states, "for so used the young men to do." Its significance lay in its public declaration of the marriage, its role in solidifying social bonds between families and communities, and its celebratory nature. In Samson's case, it also served as the setting for his famous riddle, which became a catalyst for the escalating conflict between him and the Philistines.

**Why did Samson's father accompany him if they initially disapproved of the marriage?**

Answer: Despite their initial disapproval, Samson's parents, particularly his father Manoah, accompanied him to Timnath for the formal arrangements. This was likely due to several factors. Firstly, it was a deeply ingrained cultural custom for the father to play a central role in marriage negotiations, even if reluctantly. Manoah's presence lent legitimacy to the proceedings. Secondly, the narrative implies that Samson was headstrong ("get her for me; for she pleaseth me well" - [Judges 14:3](/judges/14-3 "Judges 14:3 - Samson's Insistence")), and his parents may have felt compelled to go with him to maintain some control or oversight. Most importantly, from the divine perspective, [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Actions") reveals that God was orchestrating these events, using Samson's desires and his parents' reluctant compliance to set the stage for His plan to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Samson, including the seemingly mundane details of his wedding arrangements in Judges 14:10, ultimately points forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Samson, a flawed deliverer, was set apart from birth as a Nazirite [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow") to begin Israel's deliverance from the Philistines. Yet, his life was marked by personal desires and compromises, even as God sovereignly used his choices [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose") to achieve His purposes. In stark contrast, Jesus is the perfect Deliverer, the true Lamb of God [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who perfectly fulfilled His divine mission without compromise. While Samson's marriage was a human arrangement, fraught with tension and ultimately leading to conflict, Christ's relationship with His Church is portrayed as a perfect, covenantal marriage [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). The "feast" Samson made foreshadows the ultimate celebratory banquet, the marriage supper of the Lamb [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where Christ, the perfect Bridegroom, will unite with His redeemed people in eternal joy. Thus, Samson's imperfect life and the cultural customs surrounding his wedding serve as a shadow, imperfectly hinting at the perfect, pure, and redemptive work of Christ, who truly delivers His people from the bondage of sin and death, establishing a new and eternal covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 29:22

And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

Matthew 22:2

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Matthew 22:4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

Revelation 19:9

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Ecclesiastes 10:19

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].

Esther 1:7

And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

Esther 1:22

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that [it] should be published according to the language of every people.