The elevation of Zorah is 1,170 ft. (356.7 m.), whereas that of Timnath is only 800 ft. (243.9 m.) (see vs. 5, 7, 10). Conversely, “went up” is used for the return journey (see vs. 2 and 19).
Timnath.
Probably Tell el-Baṭâshi, about 4 1/2 mi. (7.2 km.) southwest of Zorah. The city was assigned to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:43 cf. Joshua 15:10). It was then under the control of the godless Philistines.
A woman.
The word we might expect here is “maiden” or “damsel” (see Gen. 24:14, 16 ) instead of “woman.” The latter term may indicate that Samson’s new acquaintance may have been a widow or divorcee, although young (PP 562), or else the expression is used to show contempt for her (see Judges 16:4). Many of the incidents in the life of Samson centered about his relations with women. Though strong physically, he was weak in moral power and self-control. Early contact with idolaters had broken down the citadel of his soul.
Of the Philistines.
The Hebrews had been forbidden to intermarry with the native inhabitants of the land (Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:3, 4).