Definition: Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage. It's a really strange and dramatic story from the Old Testament! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Samson is a Powerful Man: Samson was a very strong and skilled man who was known for his skill with a sword and his ability to be incredibly tough. He’s Traveling to Timnath: Samson was traveling to the city of Timnath, which was a place that was experiencing a lot of trouble – it was being targeted by a wicked and angry God. They Visit a Dangerous Place: When he arrived at Timnath, he found the city in terrible distress. It was filled with chaos and anger. A Lion Roars! Suddenly, a large lion appeared and started roaring against Samson. This wasn’t just any lion; it was a young lion, which is significant because lions are usually associated with strength and wildness. What It Means – A Bit More Deeply: This story is a warning about the dangers of pride and being overly powerful. Here's what it suggests: Pride Hurts God: The text says that Samson’s presence in Timnath caused the angry god to be enraged. It was a direct result of his arrogance and desire for power. God’s Wrath: This isn't just any anger; it's a righteous, powerful anger directed at someone who was challenging God. The Lion as a Symbol: The lion represents wildness, strength, and often, danger. It symbolizes the very bad thing that happened to Samson – the chaos and destruction he unleashed. In short, the verse tells us that Samson’s pride led him to provoke a terrible situation and resulted in a frightening event. Important Note: This story is incredibly symbolic. It's not meant to be taken literally about Samson. It's an illustration of a biblical warning against hubris (excessive pride) – acting arrogant or overconfident, which can lead to trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories in the Bible?