👉 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 14:2. It's a really strange and unsettling verse, and it's important to understand its context within the larger story of Israel's history. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Timnath was a city: The verse describes a situation involving a city called Timnah, located in the region of Philistia – which is now part of modern-day Lebanon. A woman is seen: A woman named “the daughters of the Philistines” appears in Timnah. This is crucial. "Philistines" were a group of people who lived on the edge of the known world, and they had a very complex and often turbulent history. The man wants to marry her: The man involved – referred to as “he” – tells his father and mother that he's planning to marry this woman. Putting it into Perspective - What’s the Big Deal? This verse is incredibly unusual because it speaks of a man’s desire to marry someone who was already married . Here’s what we can infer: It's a violation of tradition: In ancient Israel, marriage was sacred and deeply ingrained in their culture. This action completely breaks the established rules of marriage. A sign of trouble: The verse suggests that Timnah was experiencing a significant problem – likely a conflict or instability. The man’s desire to marry someone who is already married indicates a deep issue within the community. Potential for disaster: This action could be interpreted as a threat to the stability and safety of Israel. It suggests a power struggle, perhaps involving a dangerous religious faction or a disruption of established order. Important Note: Context Matters It's crucial to remember that this verse appears in a larger narrative about the rise and fall of kingdoms and tribes. The story of Timnah is part of a much larger historical context where Israel was facing challenges and shifting alliances. In short, this verse paints a picture of a man who acted impulsively and potentially dangerously, driven by a desire to marry someone already married, which caused problems for the region. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general understanding of biblical interpretation and historical context. There are different interpretations among scholars. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the broader narrative of the Old Testament?

👉 But Samson’s wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 14:20. It’s a really surprising and unsettling part of the story! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Samson’s wife, Ruth, was abandoned by him. She was treated as a friend, but then she was given to his companion – essentially, a servant. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But Samson’s wife…” : This refers to the woman named Ruth. “…was [given] to his companion…” : This means she was assigned to someone else. She wasn’t left alone. “…whom he had used as his friend.” : This is the key part. Samson had been using Ruth as a friend, perhaps because she was kind and offered him comfort or support. But he chose to give her away. The Significance & Why it's Important: This verse is a major turning point in the story of Samson. It highlights several things: Loss of Trust: It shows that Samson wasn’t entirely trustworthy, even with someone he considered a friend. He prioritized his own needs and desires over loyalty and devotion. Moral Compromise: It suggests Samson was potentially compromising his principles by treating Ruth as a friend. This is a significant point because it raises questions about the nature of his relationship with her. The Beginning of His Downfall: This act of giving Ruth away sets the stage for much of what happens to Samson – ultimately leading to his downfall and imprisonment. It’s a pivotal moment that demonstrates the consequences of his choices. In short, it's a story about betrayal, abandonment, and the potential dangers of prioritizing personal desires over loyalty and responsibility. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to: Explain it in a different way? Relate it to other parts of the Bible?

👉 "Judges 14:20" is a phrase used by many people to describe the time when Christians were made judges. This term gets its nickname from the idea that God had called them to serve as judges and protect His people.

Here’s an example sentence that uses this phrase: "The Lord said, Judges 14:20, 'Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed.'" This phrase implies that God chose the Christians for a purpose beyond their own needs, emphasizing the importance of strength, courage, and trust in Him. It's a reminder that despite our perceived weaknesses, He is always ready to provide us with strength when we need it most.