Judges 14:7

KJV

And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went down {H3381}, and talked {H1696} with the woman {H802}; and she pleased {H3474} Samson {H8123} well {H3474}{H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he went down and talked with the woman and found he still liked her.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Samson continued on his way down and spoke to the woman, because she was pleasing to his eyes.

American Standard Version

And he went down, and talked with the woman, and she pleased Samson well.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:7 marks a crucial juncture in Samson's narrative, detailing his second encounter with the Philistine woman from Timnath. Despite his parents' objections and the clear Mosaic prohibition against intermarriage, Samson's personal attraction to the woman was so strong that "she pleased Samson well," solidifying his determination to pursue the union. This verse underscores Samson's self-willed nature and sets the stage for a series of events orchestrated by divine providence to initiate conflict with the Philistines, even through Samson's flawed choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows Samson's initial declaration to his parents in [Judges 14:2](/judges/14-2 "Judges 14:2 - Samson's Desire for a Philistine Woman") that he had "seen a woman in Timnath... get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." His parents, aware of the Mosaic Law, express their disapproval in [Judges 14:3](/judges/14-3 "Judges 14:3 - Parents' Objection to Intermarriage"), questioning why he would seek a wife among the uncircumcised Philistines. However, [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose in Samson's Choice") reveals the underlying divine purpose: "his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines." Thus, Judges 14:7 depicts Samson's active pursuit of this relationship, demonstrating his personal resolve after the initial family discussion and before the formal marriage negotiations. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Judges 14:8-9](/judges/14-8 "Judges 14:8-9 - Samson's Encounter with the Lion and Honey")) detail his return journey and the significant encounter with the lion, which further intertwines his personal life with God's larger plan for Israel's deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel's apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, their cry for deliverance, and God raising up a judge. At this time, the Philistines were a dominant oppressive force over Israel, particularly in the southern regions of Dan and Judah where Samson resided. Intermarriage with foreign nations, especially those who worshipped other gods, was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). This prohibition was not merely cultural but theological, aimed at preserving Israel's covenant fidelity and preventing idolatry. Marriages were typically arranged by parents, making Samson's direct, self-initiated pursuit of this Philistine woman a significant cultural and religious transgression, highlighting his individualism and disregard for communal and divine norms. Timnath itself was a Philistine city, underscoring the geographical and cultural "descent" Samson makes from his Israelite home in Zorah.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 14:7 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and Samson's narrative. Firstly, it highlights the tension between **personal desire and divine will**. Samson's actions are driven by his subjective attraction ("she pleased Samson well"), a stark contrast to God's objective commands regarding marriage. This personal gratification often overrides his Nazirite vows and his role as a judge. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **compromise and its consequences**. Samson's choice to pursue a forbidden relationship sets in motion a chain of events marked by betrayal, conflict, and ultimately, his tragic downfall, demonstrating how personal indulgence can lead to broader societal and spiritual decay. Lastly, and most profoundly, it showcases **divine sovereignty** at work. Despite Samson's flawed motives and disobedient choices, God subtly orchestrates these events to fulfill His overarching purpose of delivering Israel from Philistine oppression, as explicitly stated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Plan"). This demonstrates God's ability to use even human sin and folly to achieve His righteous ends, a recurring motif in the broader biblical narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pleased well (Hebrew, _yashar'_):** The Hebrew verb יָשַׁר (_yashar_) means "to be straight, right, pleasing, agreeable." In this context, it specifically conveys that the woman was "agreeable" or "pleasing" in Samson's subjective estimation. This is a crucial distinction, as the term `yashar` often carries the connotation of moral rectitude or being "right" in an objective sense. However, in Samson's case, it refers to his personal, sensual, and aesthetic approval, not necessarily a divine or moral endorsement. This usage subtly echoes the overarching theme of the book of Judges, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes"), [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Recurring Theme of Self-Rule")), highlighting a period of moral relativism and spiritual decline in Israel. Samson's "pleasure" is self-centered, contrasting sharply with what would have been "right" in God's eyes according to the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went down":** This phrase describes Samson's physical journey from Zorah, his hometown in the hills of Dan, to Timnath, a Philistine city located in the lowlands. This geographical "descent" carries symbolic weight, representing a moral and spiritual decline. It signifies Samson's deliberate movement away from the spiritual high ground of his Israelite heritage and Nazirite consecration towards a forbidden relationship within pagan territory. This descent foreshadows the trajectory of his life, marked by a series of compromises that lead him further away from God's ideal for him.
* **"and talked with the woman":** This indicates a direct, personal engagement between Samson and the Philistine woman, beyond the initial sighting. In a culture where marriages were typically arranged by parents, this personal "talking" or courtship signifies Samson's active and independent pursuit of the relationship. It reveals his strong personal agency and determination to bypass traditional and religious norms, driven by his own desires rather than familial or divine counsel. This direct interaction solidifies his personal commitment to the union.
* **"and she pleased Samson well":** This clause re-emphasizes Samson's subjective attraction and approval, mirroring his earlier declaration to his parents in [Judges 14:2](/judges/14-2 "Judges 14:2 - Samson's Initial Attraction"). The repetition underscores the depth of his personal desire. It signifies that her appearance, demeanor, or perhaps their conversation confirmed his initial attraction, strengthening his resolve to marry her. This personal gratification becomes the primary motivator for his actions, setting the stage for a narrative where his impulses often dictate his choices, with profound consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is evident in "he went down," which physically describes Samson's journey from the Israelite highlands to the Philistine lowlands, but simultaneously symbolizes his spiritual and moral descent into compromise and disobedience. This foreshadows the downward trajectory of his life. **Irony** is deeply embedded in the narrative, as this seemingly disobedient act, driven by Samson's personal desire, is revealed in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Plan") to be part of God's sovereign plan to "seek an occasion against the Philistines." Samson acts out of self-will, yet God uses his flawed choices to advance His divine purpose, creating a tension between human agency and divine providence. The verse also serves as a crucial point of **Characterization**, further revealing Samson's impulsive, self-gratifying, and headstrong nature, which will be a consistent trait throughout his story and ultimately contribute to his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:7 serves as a poignant reminder of the tension between human desire and divine command, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. While Samson's attraction to the Philistine woman was personal, his pursuit of the relationship directly violated God's clear prohibition against intermarriage with pagan nations, established to preserve Israel's covenant fidelity and prevent idolatry. This verse highlights how unchecked personal desires, when prioritized over divine wisdom, can lead to spiritual compromise and set in motion a series of events with far-reaching consequences. Yet, in a profound display of divine sovereignty, the narrative explicitly states that God was working through Samson's flawed choices to achieve His greater purpose of delivering Israel from Philistine oppression. This does not condone Samson's disobedience but underscores God's ability to providentially use even human sin to advance His redemptive plan, a testament to His ultimate control over history.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage with Foreign Nations")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right to a Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 14:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers concerning the nature of desire, obedience, and God's sovereign hand. Samson's story compels us to examine the motivations behind our own choices, particularly in significant life decisions like relationships. Is our "pleasure" or personal gratification the ultimate arbiter, or are we seeking alignment with God's revealed will and wisdom? The narrative cautions against the dangers of unchecked desires, reminding us that what "pleases us well" in the moment may lead to long-term spiritual and relational compromise. True freedom and flourishing are found not in pursuing every impulse but in aligning our wills with God's purposes, even when they challenge our immediate inclinations. Furthermore, this verse offers a paradoxical comfort: even when we falter or act out of self-will, God remains sovereign, capable of weaving our imperfections into His grand design. This truth, however, should never be an excuse for disobedience but rather an encouragement to trust in His ultimate plan while striving for greater faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pleases me well" in my life, and how do I discern if these desires align with God's will or lead to compromise?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "going down" into spiritual compromise, prioritizing personal gratification over divine guidance?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in Samson's story encourage or challenge my approach to my own flawed choices and God's ongoing work in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that seeks God's pleasure above my own, especially in significant life decisions?**

### FAQ
**Question? Was Samson justified in pursuing a Philistine woman, given that God used it for His purposes?**

Answer: No, Samson was not justified in pursuing a Philistine woman. The Mosaic Law explicitly forbade intermarriage with foreign nations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")), primarily to prevent Israel from falling into idolatry and to preserve their distinct covenant identity. Samson's choice was a direct act of disobedience, driven by his personal desire rather than divine command. While [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose") reveals that God sovereignly used Samson's disobedient act to "seek an occasion against the Philistines," this does not retroactively validate Samson's sin. It demonstrates God's remarkable ability to work His purposes even through human sin and rebellion, not that He approves of the sin itself. God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility or the moral implications of disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, as one of the judges, served as a deliverer for Israel, foreshadowing the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. However, Samson's deliverance was deeply flawed, marked by personal indulgence, disobedience, and a reliance on his own strength rather than consistent fidelity to God's covenant. His story in [Judges 14:7](/judges/14-7 "Judges 14:7 - Samson's Desire for the Philistine Woman") particularly highlights his self-willed nature, prioritizing what "pleased him well" over God's explicit commands. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied obedience, consistently prioritizing the Father's will above His own desires, even to the point of death on the cross (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where Samson "went down" into compromise, Jesus "came down" from heaven in perfect humility and obedience, not to indulge His own pleasure but to accomplish the Father's redemptive plan (e.g., [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Will to Do the Father's Will")). Samson's strength was physical and ultimately failed him due to his moral weaknesses; Christ's strength is spiritual and moral, enabling Him to perfectly fulfill the Law and offer Himself as the spotless Lamb of God (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Samson's story, with its blend of divine purpose and human failure, ultimately points to the perfect deliverer in Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection perfectly accomplish God's will and bring true, lasting salvation, not through human compromise but through perfect righteousness and sacrificial love.

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.