Guiding Questions: Judges 14

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Is any information communicated as to Samson’s early years — his education, his rearing?
  2. What attitude toward marriage outside of the faith community is reflected in Judges 14:3?
  3. Is there a consciousness on the part of the “actors” as to the role of Divinity in Samson’s life?
  4. What does Judges 14:6 communicate in terms of Samson’s “major attribute”? And, if the family was traveling together what explanation is there for the fact that his parents did not know what had transpired?
  5. At this point, does the story of the lion carcass/honey and related seem to have any point other than to demonstrate Samson’s strength?
  6. Judging from Judges 14:12-13 although the Philistines were ruling the Israelites, what was the “social relation”?
  7. According to Judges 14:15 did Samson, indeed, marry the Philistine woman?
  8. Judges 14:16-17 indicate a certain “suasive capacity” on the part of Samson’s first wife — this vignette should be kept in mind for subsequent developments.
  9. What is the meaning of Samson’s phrase “if you had not plowed with my heifer you would not have appreciated my riddle”?
  10. As a result of the denouement of the riddle story (Judges 14:20) what action is taken by the Philistines in connection with Samson’s wife?

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    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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