Samson's riddle is deeply tied to a personal encounter he had with a lion, which he had killed with his bare hands. Later, he found a swarm of bees and honey inside the lion's carcass. The riddle, 'Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet,' is a metaphorical expression of this event. It reflects the unexpected ways in which God can transform difficult or dangerous situations into sources of blessing and joy. The Philistines, to whom the riddle was posed, struggled to solve it because it was based on Samson's unique experience, illustrating how God's plans and purposes can be hidden from human understanding.
This riddle also serves as a reminder of the mysterious and paradoxical nature of God's work in the world. Just as Samson found sweetness in the carcass of a lion, we are encouraged to trust that God can bring good out of the most unlikely circumstances. It invites believers to have faith in God's ability to turn adversity into blessing, and to seek His wisdom in unraveling the mysteries of life.