MPV Commentary

5-9. A young lion was in the area, and Samson killed it without using any weapon. This display of superhuman courage and strength was likely a result of the Spirit's influence on him. Such incidents helped train him to rely on these abilities for his future public work.

7. He went down to visit the woman, which was an unusual social interaction between betrothed individuals in that culture.

8. After some time had passed, Samson returned to take her as his wife. This typically occurred a year after the betrothal ceremony, during which time the bride-to-be prepared for marriage with her parents.

He stopped by to see the lion's carcass and noticed bees swarming around it, producing honey inside the dead animal. In that climate, the intense heat and scavenging animals would quickly break down the body, making it an attractive site for bees.

10-11. Samson's father went down to join in the celebration of his son's marriage. A large feast was held, which lasted a week. The men and women were likely entertained separately – the bride with her female relatives at her parents' house, while Samson and his friends gathered elsewhere. Many of these "friends" were probably from the bride's family, sent to observe Samson's behavior during the festivities.