Judges 14:2

KJV

And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he came up {H5927}, and told {H5046} his father {H1} and his mother {H517}, and said {H559}, I have seen {H7200} a woman {H802} in Timnath {H8553} of the daughters {H1323} of the Philistines {H6430}: now therefore get {H3947} her for me to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He came up and told his father and mother, "I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the P'lishtim. Now get her for me to be my wife."

Berean Standard Bible

So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.”

American Standard Version

And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:2 captures Samson's immediate and unconventional desire for a Philistine woman from Timnath, a request he presents directly to his parents. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Samson's life, highlighting the tension between personal impulse and covenantal obligation, and initiating the series of events through which God would begin to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, despite Samson's flawed choices and the societal norms he challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 14:2 is the immediate follow-up to the divine announcement of Samson's miraculous birth and Nazarite vow in [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - Samson's Birth Announced"). The narrative quickly shifts from the theological significance of his calling to the practical realities of his life choices. This verse marks the beginning of Samson's active engagement with the Philistines, not through direct military confrontation as a judge, but through personal relationships that become catalysts for conflict. It foreshadows the pattern of Samson's life, driven by personal desires and encounters, which God paradoxically uses to achieve His purposes against Israel's oppressors. The subsequent verses immediately reveal God's sovereign hand in Samson's seemingly disobedient choice, stating that "it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines" ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Choice")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1200-1000 BCE) was characterized by a decentralized Israelite society, frequent cycles of apostasy, and oppression by surrounding nations, particularly the Philistines in the southwest coastal plain. Timnath was a Philistine city, located strategically in the Shephelah, a border region between Israelite and Philistine territories. Marriage customs in ancient Israel typically involved parental arrangement, often with a strong emphasis on endogamy—marrying within the Israelite community or tribe—to preserve covenant purity and tribal identity. Intermarriage with foreign peoples, especially those practicing idolatry, was explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). Samson's request, therefore, was a significant cultural and religious transgression, challenging both parental authority and foundational covenant stipulations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several recurring themes in the Book of Judges and Samson's narrative. Firstly, it highlights the tension between **Human Desire and Divine Will**. Samson's choice is driven by what he "sees" and desires, rather than explicit divine command or the wisdom of his parents, foreshadowing a pattern where his personal impulses often dictate his actions, leading to both triumphs and tragedies. Secondly, it confronts the theme of **Covenant Purity and Intermarriage**. The Mosaic Law strictly forbade intermarriage with nations like the Philistines to prevent Israel from falling into idolatry and losing its unique identity as God's chosen people. Samson's request directly challenges this foundational principle, setting up a conflict with the covenant. Thirdly, and most profoundly, the narrative introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Human Choices**. Despite Samson's seemingly disobedient desire, the text explicitly reveals a deeper divine purpose at play, demonstrating how God can mysteriously work through human decisions, even flawed or disobedient ones, to accomplish His ultimate plan of deliverance for His people, as further elaborated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Overruling Providence"). Finally, the verse touches upon **Parental Authority**, as Samson, despite his unconventional request, still seeks his parents' involvement in the marriage process, acknowledging their traditional role, even if he is pushing against their expected boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seen (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** The verb "seen" (רָאָה, _ra'ah_) emphasizes the visual nature of Samson's attraction. It suggests an immediate, perhaps superficial, desire based on appearance, rather than a considered choice rooted in spiritual compatibility or covenant faithfulness. This focus on what is "seen" often contrasts with divine perspective in biblical narratives, where God "sees" the heart (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Here, it underscores Samson's human-centric, rather than God-centric, motivation.
* **Get her for me to wife (Hebrew, _qaḥ-lî ’ōtāh lĕ’iššāh'_):** This phrase reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of arranged marriages, where the son would express his interest, but the parents were responsible for initiating negotiations, paying the bride-price, and formalizing the union. Samson's demand, "get her for me," is direct and authoritative, indicating his strong will and expectation that his parents would comply. It highlights the cultural context of parental involvement while simultaneously revealing Samson's assertion of his own choice, even if it defied traditional and covenantal norms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came up, and told his father and his mother,"**: This opening clause establishes Samson's immediate action after encountering the woman. The phrase "came up" (יַּעַל, _ya‘al_) could simply mean he returned home, or it could imply a journey from Timnath (which was geographically lower than some Israelite settlements) to his parents' residence in Zorah. The act of "telling" his parents signifies his acknowledgement of their traditional role in marriage arrangements, even as he presents them with an unprecedented and challenging request.
* **"and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines:"**: Here, Samson explicitly identifies the woman's origin and ethnicity. The mention of "Timnath" places her within Philistine territory, underscoring the foreign and potentially hostile nature of her background. The phrase "daughters of the Philistines" directly confronts the Mosaic prohibition against intermarriage, setting up the immediate conflict with covenant law and parental expectations. His declaration "I have seen a woman" again emphasizes the visual basis of his desire.
* **"now therefore get her for me to wife."**: This is Samson's direct demand, a forceful imperative. The "now therefore" (וְעַתָּה, _wĕ‘attāh_) indicates a logical conclusion drawn from his "seeing" and desiring. It is a command rather than a humble request, demonstrating Samson's strong will and perhaps a youthful impulsiveness that overrides conventional wisdom and divine law. This command places his parents in a difficult position, caught between their son's desire and their understanding of God's covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Samson's impulsive desire for a Philistine woman sets the stage for a life characterized by personal gratification and problematic relationships that ultimately lead to his downfall, even as they serve God's larger purposes. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, particularly when read in conjunction with [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Overruling Providence"), which reveals that Samson's seemingly disobedient choice is, paradoxically, part of God's plan to "seek an occasion against the Philistines." This creates a dramatic tension between human agency and divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the verse presents a clear **Contrast** between Samson's personal desire and the established covenantal law, highlighting the ongoing struggle of Israel to maintain its distinct identity and faithfulness to God amidst the allure of foreign cultures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:2 serves as a stark illustration of the tension between human desire and divine will, a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative. Samson, a Nazarite set apart from birth for God's special purpose, immediately demonstrates a propensity for choices driven by personal attraction rather than covenant fidelity. This highlights a fundamental human struggle: the inclination to follow what is pleasing to the eye or the flesh, even when it contradicts God's revealed commands. Yet, the broader narrative of Samson, and indeed the entire Book of Judges, powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty, His ability to work through imperfect, disobedient, and even rebellious individuals to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Samson's desire for a Philistine woman, though seemingly a transgression, becomes the very means by which God instigates conflict with the Philistines, beginning the process of Israel's deliverance. This does not condone disobedience but rather magnifies God's immense grace and His mysterious ways of bringing about His will, even from human folly.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's impulsive declaration in Judges 14:2 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to critically examine the source and nature of our desires. Are our choices primarily driven by immediate gratification, superficial attraction, or cultural conformity, or are they rooted in a deep understanding and submission to God's revealed will and wisdom? While God's sovereignty means He can redeem even our flawed decisions, this does not excuse willful disobedience. Instead, it underscores the importance of discerning God's voice, seeking wise counsel from godly mentors and community, and aligning our wills with His. Samson's story reminds us that true strength and effectiveness in God's service come not from personal power or charisma, but from humble obedience and a heart yielded to divine purpose, even when that path contradicts our natural inclinations or societal pressures. Our desires, when submitted to God, can be purified and directed towards His glory, leading to a life of greater fruitfulness and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to follow personal desires that may conflict with God's revealed will or the wisdom of godly counsel?**
* **How can I better discern between a desire that is merely "pleasing to the eye" and one that is truly aligned with God's purposes for my life?**
* **What role do my parents, spiritual mentors, or Christian community play in guiding my significant life decisions, and how well do I listen to their counsel?**
* **How does the tension between Samson's flawed choices and God's sovereign plan encourage me when I reflect on my own imperfections and God's faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Why was Samson allowed to marry a Philistine woman if the Law forbade intermarriage?**

Answer: While the Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited intermarriage with foreign nations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")), the narrative in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Choice") provides a crucial theological explanation: "But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines." This verse reveals God's sovereign hand at work, using Samson's seemingly disobedient desire as a divinely orchestrated means to initiate conflict with the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel. It does not imply that God condoned the breaking of His law for its own sake, but rather that He can powerfully overrule and utilize human choices, even flawed ones, to achieve His greater redemptive purposes. God's ultimate goal was to deliver Israel, and in Samson's case, His method involved working through the very circumstances that arose from Samson's personal inclinations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, as a judge and deliverer, foreshadows Christ in his role as a savior of his people, yet his life is marked by profound human weakness and disobedience. Judges 14:2, with Samson's self-willed desire for a Philistine woman, starkly contrasts with the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. While Samson pursued his own desires, often leading to personal and national complications, Christ perfectly submitted His will to the Father's, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Samson's story, where God works through his flawed choices to deliver Israel from the Philistines, points to the ultimate divine paradox: God's perfect plan of salvation for humanity was accomplished through the apparent weakness and suffering of His Son ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God")). Jesus is the true and perfect Judge, the ultimate Deliverer, who did not succumb to worldly desires but perfectly fulfilled God's covenant, not by breaking it, but by embodying and fulfilling its righteous demands on our behalf, ultimately conquering sin and death for His people ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Samson's initial step into a forbidden relationship, paradoxically used by God, ultimately points to Christ, who, though without sin, became sin for us, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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 34:4

And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.

Genesis 21:21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Genesis 24:2

And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

Genesis 24:3

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Genesis 38:6

And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name [was] Tamar.

2 Kings 14:9

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that [was] in Lebanon sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that [was] in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.