In this chapter, Samson was tricked by another woman named Delilah, and this time it cost him his life. The chapter begins with Samson being caught within the walls of the Philistine city of Gaza late at night, and word got out that Samson was there visiting a prostitute so the men of Gaza plotted to wait at the city gates and kill him. However, Samson left sooner than they anticipated and they missed him when he got to the gates. Since they were locked, Samson, simply, removed the gates from the ground to leave the city.
“Later Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek. The leaders of the Philistines went to her and said, “Find out from Samson what makes him so strong and how he can be overpowered and tied up securely. Then each of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver."
So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me what makes you so strong and what it would take to tie you up securely.” Samson replied, “If I am tied up with seven new bowstrings that have not yet been dried, I will be as weak as anyone else.” So the Philistine leaders brought Delilah seven new bowstrings and she tied Samson up with them. She had hidden some men in one of the rooms of her house, and she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” But Samson snapped the bowstrings as if they were strings that had been burned in a fire. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.” (Judges 16:4-9)
Delilah exclaimed that he lied to her, and continually asked Samson the secret to his strength. The next time he told her new ropes would tie him up securely. After that, it was braiding his hair. Each time, Samson lied to her, but Delilah played the “You don’t love me” card, and day after day nagged him until he couldn’t take it any longer.
“Finally, Samson told her his secret. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” Delilah realized he had finally told her the truth, so she sent for the Philistine leaders. “Come back one more time,” she said, “for he has told me everything.” So the Philistine leaders returned and brought the money with them. Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and she called in a man to shave off his hair, making his capture certain, And his strength left him. Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!”
When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and made to grind grain in the prison. But before long his hair began to grow back.” (Judges 16:17-22)
Later, the Philistines had a great festival celebrating their victory over their enemy, Samson, who had killed so many of them. After much praise of their god (Dagon) for bringing them victory and many cups of wine, “the people demanded, “Bring out Samson so he can perform for us!” So he was brought from the prison and made to stand at the center of the temple, between the two pillars supporting the roof. Samson said to the servant who was leading him by the hand, “Place my hands against the two pillars. I want to rest against them.” The temple was completely filled with people. All the Philistine leaders were there, and there were about three thousand on the roof who were watching Samson and making fun of him. Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me one more time so that I may pay back the Philistines for the loss of my eyes.” Then Samson put his hands on the center pillars of the temple and pushed against them with all his might. Let me die with the Philistines,” he prayed. And the temple crashed down on the Philistine leaders and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.” (Judges 16:25-30)
Samson’s weakness for women, cost him a lot, and, ultimately, his life.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to never compromise our strength in you for a few moments of pleasure. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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