Judges 14:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Samson concluded that presenting the hide of a ferocious animal would be an unsuitable offering for his cherished bride. On such occasions, it is not fearsome trophies that bring delight, but rather joyful diversions and celebratory garlands. As he journeyed home, he discovered honey in the carcass of the lion and chose to share this sweetness as a present for his parents and his betrothed, as it is customary to offer such gifts to the bride. He savored the honey himself and shared it with his family, yet he did not reveal the source of his find.

How is it that Samson, as a Nazarite living according to the law, consumed honey from a lion’s carcass? This illustrates that such laws are not universally binding; indeed, none of those who violated these commandments faced punishment. If anyone believes that Samson acted as though he were not a strict observer of the law, they should also reflect on how God miraculously provided Samson with water while he was parched, directing that it should flow from the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:19). According to the law, this jawbone was exceedingly impure for three reasons; the donkey itself is deemed unclean in life and death, and the jawbone used in a deadly manner against countless enemies carried an added level of impurity. Yet, the Lawgiver Himself met Samson’s need for water from this very source, rather than from anything else.