Riddle

(Judg. 14:12–18) — the oldest example of a riddle, in the general sense of that word, is found in the riddle proposed by Samson to his guests at a feast, namely in these words: “Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness” (v. 14). In Hebrew the word “riddle” is used in the sense of a parable, comparison, allegory, or figure of speech. Proverbial wisdom and prophetic allegory are for the most part expressed in the form of riddles (Ezek. 17:2–10, and elsewhere).

Riddles in general enjoyed great popularity among the peoples of the East. They were used especially for entertainment, as among the Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans, during solemn dinners and feasts. From 1 Kings (10:1) we likewise know that the queen of Sheba, hearing of the fame of Solomon, “concerning the name of the LORD, came to test him with hard questions [riddles].”