Study Desk

So his father went downe vnto the woman, and Samson made there a feast: for so vsed the young men to doe.

And it came to passe when they saw him, that they brought thirtie companions to be with him.

And Samson said vnto them, I will now put foorth a riddle vnto you: if you can certeinly declare it me, within the seuen dayes of the feast, and finde it out, then I will giue you thirtie sheetes, and thirtie change of garments:

But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall yee giue me thirtie sheetes, and thirtie change of garments. And they said vnto him, Put foorth thy riddle, that we may heare it.

And hee said vnto them, Out of the eater came foorth meate, aud out of the strong came foorth sweetnesse. And they could not in three dayes expound the riddle.

And it came to passe on the seuenth day, that they said vnto Samsons wife, Entice thy husband, that hee may declare vnto vs the riddle, lest we burne thee and thy fathers house with fire: Haue yee called vs, to take that wee haue? is it not so?

And Samsons wife wept before him, and said, Thou doest but hate me, and louest me not: thou hast put foorth a riddle vnto the children of my people, and hast not tolde it me. And hee said vnto her, Behold, I haue not tolde it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?

And shee wept before him the seuen dayes, while the feast lasted: and it came to passe on the seuenth day, that he tolde her, because shee lay sore vpon him: and she tolde the riddle to the children of her people.

And the men of the city said vnto him on the seuenth day before the sunne went downe, What is sweeter then honie? and what is stronger then a Lion? And he said vnto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, yee had not found out my riddle.

And the Spirit of the Lord came vpon him, and hee went downe to Ashkelon, and slewe thirtie men of them, and tooke their spoile, and gaue change of garments vnto them which expounded the riddle, and his anger was kindled; and hee went vp to his fathers house.

But Samsons wife was giuen to his companion, whom hee had vsed as his friend.