Scripture to Read: Judges 14:17–20
In Judges 14:17, God shows us that Samson’s wife manipulated him into revealing the answer to his riddle. In yesterday’s devotion, we saw that Samson’s wife had no trust in how God had blessed Samson with His Holy Spirit. She allowed her fear to lead her into manipulation and Samson finally gave in to her. She had tormented him seven straight days, weeping and complaining that he hated her because he would not reveal the answer to his riddle. God, though, as we know from Judges 14:4, “was seeking an occasion against the Philistines.” Since Samson had to pay his debt, according to Judges 14:19, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle.” God gave Samson the strength he needed to kill thirty Philistines, Israel’s enemies. Through Samson’s victory, he paid his debt, but we see at the end of Judges 14:19 that Samson allowed his anger to get the better of him, leaving the wedding celebration and going back home. Then, we read in Judges 14:20, “But Samson’s wife was given to his companion who had been his friend.” His bride willingly married Samson’s best man. Samson’s anger cost him—it’s why God warns us in Ephesians 4:26–27, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Anger brings costly consequences.
Challenge & Application
Why did Samson finally give in to his fiancée and what did it cost him?
How do you guard your heart so that you obey the Lord and not allow your feelings to control you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!