The Bachelor
One Year Bible (May 1)
Judges 13:1-14:20
“The Bachelor”
He was as smooth as honey (at least he smelled like that!) and as strong and hunky as a man could possibly be! His hair had never been cut, and he drank no wine, grape juice, or anything with fermentation. He didn’t even pick up a grape or raisin.
Now, before you think that I am just “messin’ with you”, I want to draw your attention to the fact that he was in the 12th season of the show called “Here Comes the Judge”. This nighttime drama took place in Timnah and the woman who caught his eye was a Philistine girl.
Seriously, he was the twelfth judge who held the power of “The Rose” in his hand and he selected “This Babe” on his own and demanded that the network (aka his mom and dad) get her for him.
Another reason that I see him as the bachelor is based on the drama that happens when you get all the set together for one of those cocktail parties. There was a spirit of competition between the guests and the bachelor was taunting all of them with “riddles”. It was a big catfight!
Speaking of drama, the story proceeds to tell us that at their big wedding feast, this Philistine girl from Timnah was a total drama queen. (There is one in every season!)
Now, before you judge me, (It is the book we are studying, so I get it!) I don’t really watch this show anymore. You really only need to see a few previews to get that this show is the same chorus and tune as the year before. Yes, they add a new verse, and it usually gets worse. So, there’s that!)
Anyway, back to the set, let’s turn those cameras right on the beautiful babe herself.
Sammy, “You don’t love me; you hate me! You have given my people a riddle, but you haven’t told me the answer.” Waaaaaa. (Judges 14:16Ff) “So, she cried whenever she was with him and kept it up for the rest of the celebration”. Can you say, “Happy Honeymoon”?
At last, on the seventh day of the festival, Samson told her the answer and she went and told the rest of the cast. So, the cat was out of the bag! (Actually, it was a LION!) “What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?? (14:18)
The other part that really makes me feel that we are watching a scene of “The Bachelor” is the really big ENDING. (Literally!) All bachelors have to be smooth and have lots of charm, right? Check out this guy’s moves.
Samson: “If you hadn’t plowed with my heifer, you wouldn’t have solved the riddle.” (Vs. 18)
Ouch! This night’s broadcast is not going well at all!!!!
And now for the dramatic ending… “But Samson was furious about what had happened, and he went back home to live with his father and mother. So his wife was given in marriage to the man who had been Samson’s best man at the wedding.” (Judges 14: 19b-20) Double OUCH!! Cut to commercial…
Trust me when I say that this story is far from over. This story is literally going to “Bring the House Down”! (Episode 2 Preview)
Good night from the Bachelor (and you might want to skip that show anyway as the Bible has plenty of drama for you to ponder).
Here are a few questions to begin with right now:
Why couldn’t Samson have raisins and grapes, not to mention wine and vinegar?
What is a Nazarite vow and why did he take it?
Did Samson break his Nazarite vows, and if so how?
Who was this woman from Timnah that Samson married?
Your pick...
Until the next Rose Ceremony…
( I really would love to hear your thoughts!)
