Judges 14:10-20
14:11 a The reason for thirty ... companions is not clear (cp. 2 Sam 23:13 b). Companions, a word that normally means “friends,” may lend a touch of irony here (Judg 14:12-20 c).14:12 d Riddles were common tests of skill or a form of entertainment that usually employed double meanings. Despite some evidence for bees building hives in the bodies of dead animals, there was no apparent way to crack the mystery apart from knowing what Samson knew.
Summary for Judg 14:14-19: 14:14-19 e Israel’s hero, like Sisera, was defeated by a woman (4:21 f; see study note on 8:20-21).
14:18 g It was common to answer a riddle with another riddle. In this case, the Philistines used a similar poetic couplet, not to reveal all they knew, but simply to win the contest.
14:19 h Samson kept his side of the deal (cp. 1 Sam 18:20-27 i). He apparently returned home without consummating his marriage, which traditionally would have happened at the end of the seven days of feasting.
14:20 j According to some ancient customs, giving the bride to the best man, even if the marriage was not consummated, was forbidden. The father’s action appears to have been treacherous (cp. 15:2-3 k, 6 l).
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