Samson's Riddle

Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.

(Judges 14:14)

Our text this morning is verse 14 of the chapter we have just read: Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet as we consider what we can learn from Samson's Riddle.

These words are a kind of parable, or riddle, proposed by Samson to his companions, soon after his marriage with a Philistine woman. Samson was a great conqueror of the Philistines, the adversaries of Israel, and yet is himself conquered by one of their women. It was well said to him by his father Manoah, "Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?" (Judges 14:3) But his affection got the better of his judgment, and induced him to violate the laws of his God. While he was traveling along the road to pay her a visit, he was attacked by a furious lion; but, strengthened by supernatural power, he overcame and slew his ferocious enemy.

Sometime after this event, returning by the same way, he stepped aside, as it was natural for him to do, to inspect the carcass of the lion, which still lay by the roadside; when, to his great astonishment, it had become a bee-hive; having been dried, probably by the great heat of the sun, the bees, which abounded in that country, had formed their nest in it, and it was filled with honey.

Being hungry, he took of the honey, ate it, and continued on his journey. After his marriage, for the entertainment of the company, he proposed this riddle. They were not clever enough to discover it, but had recourse to an unfair stratagem, which led to very serious consequences; yet, it was overruled, by the providence of God, for the destruction of many of Israel's enemies by the hand of Samson, who was raised up to be a terror to the Philistines.

By the help of Samson's wife, who, by means of tears and entreaties, extorted the solution of the riddle from him, they said, "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" (Judges 14:18)

It was not in this instance only, that advantage has been found where it was least expected; for, in the course of God's wise and good providence, and in the experience of his people, it has often occurred that food and sweetness---great spiritual advantages, have been derived from events which were threatening and forbidding in themselves, and as little likely to do them good as the carcass of a dead lion was to furnish sweet food for a hungry traveler.

We will approach the text in this light; intending to illustrate the following observation:

By the goodness of God, those things which once appeared unpleasant or hurtful, become real blessings.

1. This general observation may be applied to those painful convictions and fears which sometimes harass the minds of beginners in religion. It is absolutely necessary, in order to our obtaining pardon and eternal life, that we should know and feel that we are sinners; without this, there can be no "repentance towards God, or faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21) for "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick;" (Luke 5:31) and Jesus did not "come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32) But necessary as this conviction is, and the humiliation of soul that follows it, the enemy of mankind frequently uses it to disturb and distract the mind, and to suggest the improbability, or even the impossibility of obtaining mercy. Once, sin seemed such a trifle as not to be worth a thought; now, it appears to be so enormous that it cannot be forgiven.

Yet these seasons of distress are overruled for good. They who sow in tears will reap in joy; and they who go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, will doubtless return again with joy, "bringing their sheaves with them." (Psalm 126:6) The first Christian converts, who in the bitterness of conviction said to the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) soon "received the word," (Acts 2:41) and "received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people." (Acts 2:46-47) Many who have felt the deepest sorrows for sin, have, afterwards, possessed the greatest degree of religious joy, and have loved much, because they knew that much was forgiven. (Luke 7:47) Thus then, "out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet."

2. The same may be said of divers temptations with which a Christian may be exercised. The tempter is compared to "a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour;" (1 Peter 5:8) his aim is to destroy, by leading into sin, and keeping men in ignorance and unbelief. "Simon, Simon," said our Lord to Peter, "Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat;" (Luke 22:31)---and indeed he did sift him. Peter boasted, was tempted, and fell. But the prayers of his great Advocate prevailed; he rose again, and became, by the temptation, more reserved and watchful than before; and being reconverted, he strengthened his brethren, as Christ had directed.

When afterwards asked by his Master, "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15) that is, more than these your fellow-disciples, as once you boasted---he modestly replied, "You know everything; you know that I love you;" (John 21:17) but he would make no comparisons. His sermons and epistles breathe an excellent and a humble spirit, and show how much he profited by the temptation; and thus it is that believers in general learn to "watch and pray that they may not enter into temptation;" (Matthew 26:41) and while they "think they stand," (1 Corinthians 10:12) are cautious lest they fall. Thus, "out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet."

We may apply this observation to various other trials to which the people of God are liable: To,

3. Poverty, for instance. It is the lot of many, of very many good people, to be poor. "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world?" (James 2:5) "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise, powerful, noble; But God chose what is foolish, the weak, the despised." (1 Corinthians 1:26-28) Poverty is, in itself, a great and painful evil. The meager provisions which the hard working poor obtain, with all their sweat and toil, is the sad effect of sin, for God cursed the earth for man's sake: "thorns and thistles (said he) it shall bring forth for you; by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground:---in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life." (Genesis 3:18, 19, 17)

The Great God who wisely governs the world, and dearly loves all his children, is pleased to withhold from many of them those blessings and comforts, which they cannot but earnestly desire; yet, even here, they gather honey from the carcass of the lion, for their various troubles present an opportunity for the exercise of humble resignation to the sovereign will of God. They learn from their afflicted Savior to say, "Not my will, but yours, be done." (Luke 22:42) The cup is bitter but it is he who puts it into my hand, and shall I not drink it? Shall I "receive good from God, and shall I not receive evil?" (Job 2:10)

The Christian looks round him, and beholds the wicked prospering; "their eyes swell out through fatness," (Psalm 73:7) and they have more than the heart can wish; but he does not envy them; he knows that they are rather objects of pity. His murmurings, if they arise, are repressed; he submits to the holy appointment of God; and looks for his good things in a better world.

Constant dependence upon God is hereby promoted. He who taught his disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," (Matthew 6:11) seemed by that petition to indicate that they would, generally, possess no provisions for the next day, but be daily dependent on him for their needful supplies. Indeed, the rich as well as the poor depend upon the constant supply of heaven; but the former are not so aware of it as the latter; these are, what God said he would leave in the midst of Israel---"a people humble and lowly" who "seek refuge in the name of the Lord." (Zephaniah 3:12)

Thankfulness is another fruit of sanctified affliction; for such is the forgetfulness and ingratitude of our hearts, that we are scarcely aware of the value of our mercies but by the loss or suspension of them; and it is probable that many a poor cottager is more thankful to God for his mean dwelling and meager fare, than the possessor of the castle or the palace for his splendid abundance. Too often the rich and prosperous become proud, and forget God; but the truly pious will try to render to him the praises due to his name.

Another advantage which may be gained from poverty is, That the Christian is led to seek the things that are above. "Men of the world have their portion in this life;" (Psalm 17:14) they "set their minds on the things of the flesh," (Romans 8:5) and if the lusts of the flesh and of the mind can but be gratified, they have no interest in a future inheritance. But the children of God would dread this state of man as the greatest evil, and would far rather be the poor Lazarus at the gate, than the ungodly worldling in hell; for they are "looking to the reward." (Hebrews 11:26) Thus then the pious poor may be said to obtain honey from the carcass of the lion.

4. Apply this sentiment to the person who is grievously afflicted with severe pains and bodily afflictions. We all love ease, and would gladly avoid pain; but our heavenly Father sees it needful to chastise us; and frequently, by exercising us with irksome and painful disorders. All this is wearisome to nature, for no trial of this kind is for the present joyous, but painful; "but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11) If sin, the root of all suffering, is embittered; if tribulation works patience, and patience experience, and experience hope; if under the pressure of personal affliction, our hidden corruptions are detected; if, like Israel, by their forty years' trial, we learn what is in our heart; if strict and impartial examination is pursued, and our forgotten sins are brought to remembrance; and, finally, if holy resolutions are formed, and we cry, as it is proper that we should, "We have borne chastisement; we will not offend any more" (Job 34:31)---then the purpose of divine and paternal goodness in the trial is accomplished; then may the Christian say, "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word." (Psalm 119:71, 67)

5. Domestic trials may produce the same advantages. It is in our own houses, and with our own families, that we expect the most pure and permanent pleasures; and, while these are enjoyed, we cannot be sufficiently thankful. But we are not to expect unmingled or uninterrupted delights. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, are sweet and tender names, and they are the sources of much innocent enjoyment; but they may become in the course of God's most holy and sovereign providence, the occasions of bitter grief and sorrow. If they are unfaithful, undutiful, unkind; if they are perverse, and wicked, and abandoned, how deep is the misery they excite! or, if they are kind, pious, and useful, how do we share their pains and troubles, if they are afflicted; and if, as it must frequently happen, that relentless death enters our houses, and snatch from us our lives' partners, or our cherished offspring, taking away the delight of our eyes with a stroke, and hiding from us in the dust, those who were dear to us as our own souls---how bitter is the anguish!---"it is as it were the survivor that dies!"

But is there no consolation in such cases? God never leaves his people destitute of comfort, or at least of sufficient sources of comfort. Not only should we submissively say, "It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him," (1 Samuel 3:18) but we may find honey in the carcass of the lion, and extract the most essential benefits from these severe exercises.

See here---in this loss, in that disappointment, in the other heavy cross, see and learn the vanity of creature comforts. You had often read, and heard, and professed to believe, that "all is vanity and a striving after wind;" (Ecclesiastes 1:14) and here you find it is so. You leaned upon this reed, and it is broken; you took shelter under this gourd, and it is withered.

Cease, then, from man "in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?" (Isaiah 2:22) Remember likewise, that "the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away." (1 Corinthians 7:29-32)

6. The same may be said with regard to disappointments in our worldly affairs. In the conduct of trade and business, however wisely managed, however diligently followed, the most industrious and the most judicious may meet with setbacks. The most pleasing and flattering prospects may be obscured by some unexpected failure of others, or sudden and unexpected losses; the wealthy man may be reduced even to poverty, and his riches, having made themselves wings, have taken their flight, and left him poor and needy.

But under these distressing circumstances, the Christian must not give way to excessive sorrow---that "worldly grief which produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10) He must not fall into dissipation, that he may forget his troubles. No; Grace will enable him, though, like Job, bereft of his whole substance, to say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21) If the Christian has lost his worldly goods, he has treasure laid up in heaven, secure beyond the reach of moth, and rust, and thieves; out of the power of dishonest people, or fraudulent debtors, or crafty swindlers. And if he learns by the loss and failure of earthly goods to set his mind on those that are above, (Colossians 3:2) he becomes a real gainer.

Thus have we often seen a little bird perched on the branch of a tree, disturbed or alarmed by some approaching danger, change his position, and fly from branch to branch, until at length, to get beyond the reach of harm, he spreads his wings, and soars to safer regions. And thus the ancient saints "joyfully accepted the plundering of their property, since they knew that they had a better possession and an abiding one;" (Hebrews 10:34) "they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one;" (Hebrews 11:16) they looked for "the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10)

7. Persecution is another of those evils to which the people of God are exposed; and persecution, in some form and in some degree, must always be expected by those who "desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:12) But it is a thing no less mysterious than grievous, that men should be abused for righteousness' sake; that the excellent of the earth, beloved of God, and heirs of glory, should be despised and ill-treated by their fellow men. Yet thus it has been, must be, and will be to the end. As long as there are men "born according to the flesh," there will be hatred and opposition against those who are "born according to the Spirit." (Galatians 4:29)

But, out of this unpromising lion, sweet honey has been procured. When, upon the dispersion of the disciples, brought about by the martyrdom of Stephen, they traveled into distant parts, they "went about preaching the word;" (Acts 8:4) Judea and Samaria were the gainers. Persecution, while it opposes the truth of the gospel, wonderfully confirms it. The prediction of Christ is fully accomplished, for he came not to bring peace, but a sword; and though the gospel has the most powerful tendency to promote peace, it becomes, through the corruption of man, the occasion of the most cruel divisions; and thus, also, it proves the truth of the apostolic declaration, that the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God.

8. The subject may even be extended to death itself. The death of Christ, though according to the determinate counsel, and foreknowledge of God, was carried out by the cruel hands of wicked men. Never was any murder so atrocious as that of the Son of God, the Prince of Life, the Lord of Glory! In itself, it was the basest and most detestable action ever committed by apostate men. Then, the father of lies and the murderer of souls seemed to triumph; while the friends of the Redeemer were ready to despair. "We had hoped," said they, "that he was the one to redeem Israel;" (Luke 24:21) but his death had, for a time, extinguished their hopes. But bitter as seemed this event to the disciples, what as ever produced so much sweetness? From the striking of this Rock, what abundant streams of consolation have ever since been flowing to refresh the Church in the wilderness! All comfort springs from this source; and the triumphant song of heaven will be,"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!" (Revelation 5:12)

Apply this also to the death of believers. Nothing to nature is so formidable as death: it is the king of terrors; and through the fear of it, many are subject to bondage all of their life. The terrible sufferings that frequently precede it, the heart-rending separation it makes between the dearest relatives, the subsequent circumstances of the shroud, the coffin, the grave, the corruption, and the worms, all combine to make death the most horrible of human evils. Such, indeed, is the carcass of the lion; but search and see; is there no honey within? Is there nothing to lessen the terrors of the tomb, and reconcile man to the grave? Yes; there is much in every way. The sting of death is extracted. That which makes death so awful is sin; but sin is pardoned; the believer is justified; he has "passed from death to life, and does not come into judgment." (John 5:24) And not only so, but death is gain---inexpressible advantage to the Christian. He leaves a troublesome world, a diseased body, a disordered soul---to be with Christ, to see his face, to behold his glory, to be perfectly like him, and to join the blessed society of saints and angels in the presence, and worship, and enjoyment of God.

In closing,

1. Let us be led, by what we have heard, to adore the wisdom and goodness of God, in bringing good out of evil. Christians! Looking back on the years that are past, and on the wilderness through which you have traveled, you may recognize the skeletons of those lions which have been slain, and from whose carcasses you have taken honey. Sweet is the remembrance of evils surmounted, of enemies vanquished, and of terrifying disasters turned into blessings! And how divinely true is the scriptural maxim:---"For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose!" (Romans 8:28) Set your seal to this truth, and give glory to him who made them thus profitable and beneficial.

2. On the contrary, it is painful to reflect on the state of natural and wicked men, who are, unhappily, so entirely under the power of sin and Satan, that they continually extract evil, even from good. Their health, their strength, their talents, their wealth, their tables, and all their comforts, are perverted and abused; like Jeshurun of old, they "grow fat, and kick against God." (Deuteronomy 32:15) The word of God itself is abused and perverted; and they "twist to their own destruction," (2 Peter 3:16) the gospel of salvation; their prejudices are excited, and their hearts are hardened, by those very doctrines of the Bible which should humble them in the dust, and make them heartily thankful to be saved by grace alone.

3. Finally, what an argument may we derive from this subject, for the commitment of ourselves, and all our concerns, into the hands of an all-wise and all-gracious God! Let us not choose for ourselves, but commit our way to him, who is too wise to err and too good to be unkind. We are unable to understand the whole plan of his actions. We see only a very small part, and cannot judge correctly of the whole.

A child, looking at a clock or a watch, might suppose, that, because the wheels move in contrary directions, something must be wrong; and an ordinary spectator, viewing the movements of a great and complicated machine, might be at a loss to know the tendency and result of the whole; while the artist who constructed it, knows well the use and design of every spring and wheel. So the great and blessed God, who knows the end from the beginning, orders all things, in his infinite wisdom, to produce the best effect, ---the glory of his name, and the salvation of his people.

Little did Joseph imagine, when cruelly sold by his brethren, when falsely accused by his mistress, when laid in the dungeon in irons, that all this should lead to the fulfillment of his prophetic dreams, his advancement to the government of Egypt, or the support of his father and brothers in the years of famine! Little did Job suppose, when deprived of his substance, of his children, of his health, and reduced to the lowest state of misery, that this should lead to prosperity, and honor, and happiness, greater than he ever knew before!

Cast, then, "all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you;" (1 Peter 5:7) "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God;" (Philippians 4:6)---to God, "who fulfills his purpose for us." (Psalm 57:2) He who provided honey for Samson, out of the carcass of the lion; he who "meant for good," (Genesis 50:20) all the severities that Joseph suffered; he who "restored the fortunes of Job, gave him twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10)---he will, in his own time and way, give you a practical solution of Samson's riddle, and cause you thankfully to say---

"Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet." "Oh, that men would give thanks to the lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:21 NKJV)