Samson (2:13)

Ah, Lepidia pleases my eyes and that is enough. I care not for these other things. Fetch her for me. Father.

Narrator (2:23)

None of them could see the hand of God at work, moving in ways mysterious and strange. Samson's weakness, his recklessness heart would be the instrument of deliverance for Israel. For all his flaws, God was weaving a plan through the chaos.

Public Investing Sponsor (2:50)

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously on public. You can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available@public.com disclosures let's talk about modern home shopping.

Redfin Sponsor (3:54)

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Narrator (5:33)

Samson strolled through the vineyards of Timna, his steps slow and measured. The Nazarite vow forbade him from such places, but rules had always been to Samson what spiderwebs were to a bull, thin and inconsequential. His thoughts, too, strayed from his sacred calling. Lapida. He thought of her lips, full and red as the wine he never drank. Her body, soft and yielding, and her hair, fragrant as the wild flowers. Yet her soul, her heart, her mind. These were of no concern to Samson. His passions ruled him as he walked. A shiver ran down his spine. He paused, his senses sharpening. The vineyard was still, unnaturally so, and he felt the weight of eyes upon him. He turned sharply, scanning the vines, but he saw nothing. A gust of wind rustled the leaves, but Samson knew the difference between the whisper of the wind and the hush of a predator. A low growl broke the silence, and a lion burst from the underbrush. The beast was lean and golden, its muscles rippling beneath its fur as it leaped upon him. Samson was thrown to the ground, the lion's claws digging into his shoulders. The creature's breath filled his nostrils as it lunged for his throat. Though Samson's body moved with a force more powerful than any man's, his foot connected with the beast's chest, sending it sprawling into the dirt. The lion rose, shaking itself, and its amber eyes locked onto Samson's. They circled one another, two predators, neither willing to yield.

Samson (7:29)

Come, beast. Let's see who is stronger.

Narrator (7:33)

The lion roared and lunged. This time, Samson met it midair, his hands closing around its throat. Samson slammed the creature to the ground. The lion thrashed beneath him, its claws raking his arms. But Samson did not falter. The spirit of the lord surged through him, a wildfire coursing through his veins. His laughter turned to a fierce shout as he tightened his grip. The lion's growls grew weaker, but it broke free, staggering back to its feet. With a final, desperate roar, it charged again. Samson caught its jaws, his hands forcing them apart. The lion writhed and clawed that Samson's strength was more than mortal. With a cry of rage and triumph, he tore the beast in two, its body splitting with a sickening crack. Blood and sinew stained his hands, and Samson stood over the lifeless creature, his chest heaving. For a moment, he felt something unfamiliar, a flicker of awe at the power that had surged through him. Yet as quickly as it came, it was gone. He looked down at the carcass and smirked.

Samson (8:54)

May all my enemies have the Same fate after this.

Narrator (9:01)

He departed back to Timna to speak with his bride to be. Days had passed since Samson's encounter with the lion, but the memory still lingered in his mind. The power he felt in that moment, the raw strength coursing through him filled him with pride and a peculiar kind of joy. The stench of decay soon reached him, sharp and rank. Pulling him from his reverie, he came upon the carcass of the lion he had slain. The body had bloated and blackened in the sun, its flesh now a haven for filth and rot. Yet amid the carnage, Samson saw something curious. A swarm of bees buzzed around the remains. A hive was built within the lion's chest cavity. Ignoring the stinging of the bees, Samsung. Samson reached into the carcass and pulled out a dripping honeycomb. Without hesitation, he took a bite, savoring the honey as it melted on his tongue. Once again, Samson dismissed the Nazarite vow and the law of Moses with the careless ease. He was a man ruled by appetite. He returned home, carrying the honey in his hands. Entering his father's house, he placed it on the table with a flourish.

Samson (10:27)

Father, Mother, come and eat. I have found wild honey in the fields.

Narrator (10:32)

Manoah and Priya joined him, unaware of the honey's origins. They ate in silence, the sweetness masking the bitterness that lay at the heart of their family. Samson licked his fingers clean, reclining with satisfaction.

Samson (10:49)

Father, is all prepared for me to take my bride?

Priest/Prophet (10:53)

It is, my son. I have paid the bride price and will retrieve her tomorrow morning.

Samson (10:59)

Excellent. I shall prepare a wedding feast fit for kings.

Narrator (11:05)

True to his word, Samson arranged a feast that was the talk of Timnah. The halls were heavy with the scent of roasted meats and aged cheeses, the tables laden with food and drink. Though Samson drank no wine, he was drunk on the revelry. Basking in the attention of the philistine youths. He danced and laughed, making a spectacle of himself for their amusement. When his bride arrived, he greeted her with open arms. The two were wed before the assembled guests. That night, they consummated their marriage, a union of fire and passion. The feast continued for days. 30 philistine men joined the revelry, challenging Samson to games of strength and skill. He bested them all, his victories, feeding his pride. Yet when the conversation turned to riddles, Samson's confidence faltered. The men spun clever puzzles, their wit cutting into Samson's fragile ego. Samson, unaccustomed to being outdone, grew. Indign me.

Samson (12:16)

Those are riddle to you.

Narrator (12:18)

He stood, his arms wide, commanding the room like an actor on a stage.

Samson (12:24)

If you tell me the answer Within seven days of the feast, I will give you all 30 garments and 30 changes of clothes. But if you cannot tell me the answer, I shall receive from you 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothes. Do we have a deal?

Priest/Prophet (12:45)

Give us your riddle.

Samson (12:47)

Very well. Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.

Narrator (12:56)

The men frowned, their confidence faltering. They had expected a simple puzzle, but this riddle eluded them. For three days. They pondered, growing increasingly frustrated. On the fourth day, their patience snapped. They cornered Samson's wife against the stone hall, away from Samson's sight.

Priest/Prophet (13:18)

Your husband has made a fool of us.

Narrator (13:21)

Lapida tried walking away, but was quickly thrown against the wall.

Priest/Prophet (13:26)

You will entice your husband to tell us the answer to that riddle. This Hebrew dog will not make us fools.

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (13:34)

My husband will tear you from limb to limb if you harm me.

Narrator (13:38)

Of course.

Priest/Prophet (13:39)

That's why we will do nothing to you. But your father's house will be burned to the ground if you do not tell us.

Narrator (13:45)

Samson's wife held back tears and stood up straight. Very well.

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (13:50)

I will convince him to tell me the answer.

Narrator (13:53)

That night, she approached Samson with false smiles and soft words. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered in his ear, come to bed

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (14:03)

with me, my love.

Narrator (14:04)

Samson agreed. Without protest. She took his hand and led him into the chambers. She ran her fingers through his long hair and brought him in close for a kiss.

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (14:15)

How is it that you've managed to outwit every man in the city with your riddle? Tell me the answer to your riddle.

Samson (14:23)

Hmm, my sweet, the answer to the riddle is mine and mine alone.

Public Investing Sponsor (14:30)

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor supplier growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by public investing brokerage services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available@public.com disclosures let's talk about modern home shopping.

Redfin Sponsor (15:34)

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Narrator (17:42)

Samson's wife pushed back and furrowed her brow.

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (17:47)

Do you hate me so much that you wouldn't even share it with your wife?

Samson (17:50)

My love, Neither my father nor mother? No. Why should I tell you?

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (17:58)

Why should you tell me? I am your wife. We share a bed you are flaunting this riddle up before everyone and leaving me out of it on purpose. Do you want me to feel stupid?

Samson (18:11)

This is absurd. If you want to know the answer so badly, I suppose you will have to think harder.

Narrator (18:17)

Lapida stormed from the room, her anger feigned but convincing. For days, she wore him down, her persistence as relentless as the Philistines. Threats.

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (18:28)

In my whole life, I would never have imagined having a husband so callous and withholding. This just proves how childish you are. Not even willing to share a stupid riddle with me. I doubt you even have an answer. You're just stalling. If you actually had an answer, you'd tell me. Child, you're a child. Tell me. Tell me. Tell me.

Samson (18:54)

Enough. Oh.

Priest/Prophet (18:58)

Ah.

Samson (18:58)

You've done it. You've done what I thought was impossible. You've worn me down, woman. You have successfully chiseled at my sanity. And I will endure it no longer. I will give you your answer.

Samson's Wife (Lapida) (19:14)

Finally. Oh, thank you, my love.

Narrator (19:18)

She threw her arms around him. Samson, confused, angry and worn down, told her the answer.

Samson (19:28)

The eater is the light. I slayed in the vineyard. Days later, bees made their hive in the lion's carcass, and there was sweet honey. Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.

Narrator (19:47)

She kissed him, but offered no thanks. As soon as he turned away, she hurried to the Philistines and revealed the answer. On the final day of the feast, the men approach Samson with smug grins.

Samson (20:05)

It's the seventh day. Are you prepared to give me my garments? Shall I give you my size?

Narrator (20:14)

One of the men leaned forward and folded his hands.

Priest/Prophet (20:17)

Certainly. Samson, you have truly outwitted us. But surely you will allow us one final guess.

Samson (20:24)

Of course. It makes no difference. You'll. You'll never guess.

Narrator (20:29)

The young man paused for effect and tilted his head to the side.

Priest/Prophet (20:34)

It truly is a puzzling ritual. I would assume some of the greatest seers of our time may never be able to answer it. However, perhaps I get lucky. Let me answer with two questions. What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?

Narrator (20:50)

The hall erupted with laughter, but Samson's smile faded. His gaze turned to Lapida, who avoided his eyes. Rage burned in his chest, but he masked it with a chilling calm.

Samson (21:06)

If you hadn't plowed my. He would not have found out my riddle. Tell me. Do you think that is fair?

Narrator (21:16)

The hall fell silent as Samson stood, his massive frame casting a long shadow.

Samson (21:23)

I shall return with your garments, gentlemen. Don't go anywhere.

Narrator (21:27)

He slammed the door behind him. The frame splintering under his strength. The men exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of their mistake dawning upon them. Samson burned with rage, his humiliation stoking a fire in his chest that would not be quenched. His pride, bruised by betrayal and mockery, now demanded retribution. The spirit of the lord, fierce and unrelenting, flowed through his veins. He marched from Timna toward the Philistine city of Ashkelon, his steps thunderous as a storm rolling in from the sea. At the city's gates, a cluster of guards spotted his approach.

Priest/Prophet (22:14)

Hebrew. Stop right there.

Narrator (22:17)

The guards drew their spears. Samson didn't stop.

Priest/Prophet (22:21)

This is your last warning, dog. Run back to your den.

Narrator (22:27)

But Samson's pace quickened, a jog that became a charge, his massive frame hurtling toward them like a war horse in battle. The guards braced themselves, lowering their spears, but they were as saplings before an inevitable storm. Samson seized the nearest spear, snapping it in two as if it were dry kindling. With a single hand, he gripped the armored guard and hurled him into his companions. Two more rushed at him. Samson leapt between them, his movements impossibly swift. Swift. He seized them by their necks and smashed their heads together, the sickening crack of bone echoing off the city walls. The remaining guards retreated, their faces pale with terror.

Priest/Prophet (23:15)

He is no man.

Narrator (23:17)

The gates of Ashkelon were no barrier to him. Samson stormed into the city, his fists and feet as deadly as any blade. One by one, he kicked down the doors of of 30 houses, each time dragging their occupants into the streets. He killed them with the ease of a butcher felling livestock. Blood painted his hands and arms, his breath ragged as he stripped the dead of their garments. When his work was done, Samson hefted the sack of stolen clothing over his shoulder and began his march out of the city. A lone guard, trembling with a torch and sword, charged. Samson caught the blade mid swing, twisted it from the man's grip and struck him unconscious with a single headbutt. Taking the torch, Samson set the dry brush at the city's edge aflame. The fire spread quickly, climbing the walls and licking at the fields beyond. He walked away as the city burned behind him, his path lit by the infern, his shadow cast long against the smoke darkened sky. The wedding feast had ended with silence and dread. Guests stood outside the hall, their eyes fixed on the horizon, now alight with flames. Smoke rose in thick columns, carrying with it the faint screams of the people of Ashkelon. Samson returned to Timna, his face cold as stone. He dropped the sack of garments at the feet of the men who had bested his riddle. Reaching into the sack, he pulled out a fine linen robe and used it to wipe the grime from his face.

Samson (25:13)

Here you are, my friends. I promised you all new garments. I'm a man of my word.

Priest/Prophet (25:22)

What have you done? Those were our kin.

Samson (25:28)

I simply went and fetched what I promised you. Philistine, Consider yourself blessed. I hosted you for a week, fed you, and now you leave with new garments.

Narrator (25:44)

The crowd stood frozen. Without another glance, Samson turned and strode away, his steps heavy with purpose. He left his bride behind. Samson's path was not one of heroism, but of destruction, a road paved with his unchecked passions and untempered pride. Yet even in his ignorance and folly, the hand of God moved through him. He was not a savior, not a man of noble character or steadfast courage, but a tool, sharp and brutal, used to tear down the oppressors of Israel. But this was only the beginning of his story. The fire that burned within Samson would consume all in its path. And yet through that ruin, redemption would come as only the Lord could will it. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zar, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree, Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

Reynolds Kitchens Sponsor (27:33)

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Narrator (31:02)

This is an iheart podcast. Guaranteed human.