Definition: 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?

Definition: 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?