Judges 14:3 - Then his father and his mother said to him, “Isn’t there a woman among your brothers’ daughters, or among all my people, that you go to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines?” Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.”
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What does "Judges 14:3" mean?
Judges 14:3 is a pivotal verse in the story of Samson, and it reveals several key points:
Disapproval of Intermarriage: Samson's parents (who are Israelites) are expressing their strong disapproval of his desire to marry a Philistine woman. The phrase "Isn’t there a woman among your brothers’ daughters, or among all my people…" highlights the expectation that he should marry within their own Israelite community. Marrying outside the faith and culture was generally discouraged in the Old Testament for several reasons, including preserving their religious identity and avoiding the influence of foreign gods and customs.
"Uncircumcised Philistines": The description of the Philistines as "uncircumcised" is significant. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. Calling the Philistines "uncircumcised" is a way of emphasizing their foreignness, their lack of covenant with God, and their perceived uncleanness.
Samson's Defiance and Self-Will: Despite his parents' objections, Samson is insistent on marrying the Philistine woman. His response, "Get her for me, for she pleases me well," shows his determination and his disregard for his parents' concerns and the potential consequences of marrying outside his people. The phrase "she pleases me well" indicates that his decision is based solely on his personal attraction and desire.
Foreshadowing Trouble: The verse foreshadows the problems that will arise from Samson's decision. His marriage to a Philistine woman will lead to conflict, betrayals, and ultimately, his downfall. It sets the stage for a narrative of Samson's struggles with his desires, his responsibilities as a judge of Israel, and his relationship with God.
In short, Judges 14:3 highlights the clash between Samson's personal desires and his parents' (and likely God's) expectations for him to marry within his own community, thus maintaining the integrity of the Israelite faith and identity. It establishes Samson as a character driven by his own passions, setting the scene for the dramatic and tragic events to come.
Judges 14:3 - Then his father and his mother said to him, “Isn’t there a woman among your brothers’ daughters, or among all my people, that you go to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines?” Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.”
What does "Judges 14:3" mean?
Judges 14:3 is a pivotal verse in the story of Samson, and it reveals several key points:
Disapproval of Intermarriage: Samson's parents (who are Israelites) are expressing their strong disapproval of his desire to marry a Philistine woman. The phrase "Isn’t there a woman among your brothers’ daughters, or among all my people…" highlights the expectation that he should marry within their own Israelite community. Marrying outside the faith and culture was generally discouraged in the Old Testament for several reasons, including preserving their religious identity and avoiding the influence of foreign gods and customs.
"Uncircumcised Philistines": The description of the Philistines as "uncircumcised" is significant. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. Calling the Philistines "uncircumcised" is a way of emphasizing their foreignness, their lack of covenant with God, and their perceived uncleanness.
Samson's Defiance and Self-Will: Despite his parents' objections, Samson is insistent on marrying the Philistine woman. His response, "Get her for me, for she pleases me well," shows his determination and his disregard for his parents' concerns and the potential consequences of marrying outside his people. The phrase "she pleases me well" indicates that his decision is based solely on his personal attraction and desire.
Foreshadowing Trouble: The verse foreshadows the problems that will arise from Samson's decision. His marriage to a Philistine woman will lead to conflict, betrayals, and ultimately, his downfall. It sets the stage for a narrative of Samson's struggles with his desires, his responsibilities as a judge of Israel, and his relationship with God.
In short, Judges 14:3 highlights the clash between Samson's personal desires and his parents' (and likely God's) expectations for him to marry within his own community, thus maintaining the integrity of the Israelite faith and identity. It establishes Samson as a character driven by his own passions, setting the scene for the dramatic and tragic events to come.