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Compromise, May 5
Judges 14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship
hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
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The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson came
to mingle with them on friendly terms. Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up,
the influence of which darkened his whole life. A young woman dwelling in the
Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samson’s affections, and he determined to
make her his wife. To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade him
from his purpose, his only answer was, “She pleaseth me well.” The parents at
last yielded to his wishes, and the marriage took place.
Just as he was entering upon manhood, the time when he must execute his
divine mission—the time above all others when he should have been true to
God—Samson connected himself with the enemies of Israel. He did not ask
whether he could better glorify God when united with the object of his choice,
or whether he was placing himself in a position where he could not fulfill the
purpose to be accomplished by his life. To all who seek first to honor Him,
God has promised wisdom; but there is no promise to those who are bent upon
self-pleasing....
Christianity ought to have a controlling influence upon the marriage relation,
but it is too often the case that the motives which lead to this union are not in
keeping with Christian principles. Satan is constantly seeking to strengthen his
power over the people of God by inducing them to enter into alliance with his
subjects; and in order to accomplish this he endeavors to arouse unsanctified
passions in the heart....
At his marriage feast Samson was brought into familiar association with
those who hated the God of Israel. Whoever voluntarily enters into such relations
will feel it necessary to conform, to some degree, to the habits and customs
of his companions. The time thus spent is worse than wasted. Thoughts are
entertained and words are spoken, that tend to break down the strongholds of
principle, and to weaken the citadel of the soul
[132]
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Patriarchs and Prophets, 562, 563
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