Definition: And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 14:14. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.” Here’s what it means, broken down: “He said unto them…” : This tells us that God is speaking directly to a group of people – likely the Israelites – and he's giving them a message. “…Out of the eater came forth meat…” : “The eater” refers to an evil or wicked person, often depicted as a giant, monstrous being. This person was causing trouble and disrupting the peace. "Meat" here symbolizes something precious and good – perhaps a sacrifice, or a valuable resource. “And out of the strong came forth sweetness…” : “The strong” refers to a group of people who were considered righteous and dedicated to God. This group was likely the Israelites. “Sweetness” represents goodness, purity, and divine favor. “And they could not in three days expound the riddle.” : This is the key part! "Riddle" means a puzzle or a challenge. The people were struggling to understand a complex problem or question that God had given them. They couldn’t solve it after just three days – a very short time! So, what's the big idea? This verse describes a situation where God is challenging his people with a difficult problem. He’s giving them a challenge that requires their wisdom and understanding. It suggests that this challenge requires a significant effort and perhaps a focused, dedicated group of people to solve it. It’s a reminder that God doesn't give us easy tasks – he wants us to be strong and capable! Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Israelites' journey into exile in Babylon. It speaks to the idea that God’s judgment and challenges are designed to test and strengthen his people, preparing them for a time of great difficulty. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger story or theme in the Bible?