Judg 14:1-2 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Judg 14:1-15:17: 14:1–15:20 Samson’s choice to marry a Philistine woman was the Lord’s means (14:4 ) of beginning to confront the Philistine challenge (see 13:5 ). One thing led to another, punctuated by three occasions when the Spirit came powerfully upon him (14:6 , 19 ; 15:14 ). Throughout these events, Samson was a powerful but flawed hero. 14:1 Timnah was probably about four miles down the valley of Sorek from Mahaneh-dan, at the intersection of the Israelite and Philistine territories.

a14:1–15:20►

b14:4►

c13:5►

d14:6►

e19►

f15:14►

g14:1►

h14:2►

iJosh 23:12-13►

‏ Judges 14:1-2

Summary for Judg 14:1-15:17: 14:1–15:20 ^a Samson’s choice to marry a Philistine woman was the Lord’s means (14:4 ^b) of beginning to confront the Philistine challenge (see 13:5 ^c). One thing led to another, punctuated by three occasions when the Spirit came powerfully upon him (14:6 ^d, 19 ^e; 15:14 ^f). Throughout these events, Samson was a powerful but flawed hero. 14:1 ^g Timnah was probably about four miles down the valley of Sorek from Mahaneh-dan, at the intersection of the Israelite and Philistine territories.
14:2 ^h Samson’s choice of a bride was informed only by his pleasure in her appearance. Intermarriage was a significant mark of covenant infidelity (Josh 23:12-13 ⁱ), but God is able to work through human sinfulness.