he was born, Samson, which name signifies one that is strong. So
the child grew apace; and it appeared evidently that he would be
a prophet, (19) both by the moderation of his diet, and the
permission of his hair to grow.

5. Now when he once came with his parents to Timhath, a city of
the Philistines, when there was a great festival, he fell in love
with a maid of that country, and he desired of his parents that
they would procure him the damsel for his wife: but they refused
so to do, because she was not of the stock of Israel; yet because
this marriage was of God, who intended to convert it to the
benefit of the Hebrews, he over-persuaded them to procure her to
be espoused to him. And as he was continually coming to her
parents, he met a lion, and though he was naked, he received his
onset, and strangled him with his hands, and cast the wild beast
into a woody piece of ground on the inside of the road.

6. And when he was going another time to the damsel, he lit upon
a swarm of bees making their combs in the breast of that lion;
and taking three honey-combs away, he gave them, together with
the rest of his presents, to the damsel. Now the people of
Timhath, out of a dread of the young man's strength, gave him
during the time of the wedding-feast (for he then feasted them
all) thirty of the most stout of their youth, in pretense to be
his companions, but in reality to be a guard upon him, that he
might not attempt to give them any disturbance. Now as they were
drinking merrily and playing, Samson said, as was usual at such
times, Come, if I propose you a riddle, and you can expound it in
these seven days' thee, I will give you every one a linen shirt
and a garment, as the reward of your wisdom." So they being very