Samson Escapes Gaza 1One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. 2When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded that place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They were quiet throughout the night, saying, “Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.” 3But Samson lay there only until midnight, when he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate and both gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. Then he put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron. Samson and Delilah 4Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 5The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.a” 6So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” 7Samson told her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become as weak as any other man.” 8So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them. 9While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown. 10Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.” 11He replied, “If they tie me up with new ropes that have never been used, I will become as weak as any other man.” 12So Delilah took new ropes, tied him up with them, and called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But while the men were hidden in her room, he snapped the ropes off his arms like they were threads. 13Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me all along! Tell me how you can be tied up.” He told her, “If you weave the seven braids of my head into the web of a loom and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man.b” 14So while he slept, Delilah took the seven braids of his hair and wove them into the web.c Then she tightened it with a pin and called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he awoke from his sleep and pulled out the pin with the loom and the web. Delilah Learns the Secret 15“How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” 16Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death, 17Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” 18When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands. 19And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him,d and his strength left him. 20Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. 21Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison. 22However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved. Samson’s Vengeance and Death 23Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” 24And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land 25And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. 26Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” 27Now the temple was full of men and women; all the lords of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them. 28Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29And Samson reached out for the two central pillars supporting the temple. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one pillar and his left hand on the other, 30Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. 31Then Samson’s brothers and his father’s family came down, carried him back, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah. And he had judged Israel twenty years. Footnotes: 5 a 1,100 shekels is approximately 27.6 pounds or 12.5 kilograms of silver. 13 b See LXX and Vulgate; Hebrew does not include and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man. 14 c See LXX and Vulgate; Hebrew does not include So while he slept, Delilah took the seven braids of his hair and wove them into the web. 19 d Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts he began to grow weak Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Judges 16 Summary Samson and DelilahVerses 1–3 – Samson at Gaza Verses 4–9 – Delilah’s First Test Verses 10–12 – The New Ropes Verses 13–14 – The Loom and the Pin Verses 15–17 – Samson Reveals His Heart Verses 18–21 – Capture and Humiliation Verse 22 – Hair Begins to Grow Verses 23–25 – A Feast to Dagon Verses 26–30 – Samson’s Final Prayer and Victory Verse 31 – Burial Judges 16 recounts the tragic account of Samson, a Nazirite set apart by God, known for his superhuman strength. This chapter focuses on his relationship with Delilah, her deceit, the loss of his divine strength, his capture by the Philistines, and his final act of faith and redemption. Historical Setting • Period: Late Judges era, roughly 1100 BC, before Israel had a king (Judges 17:6). • Philistine power: Coastal plain cities—Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron—ruled by five cooperating lords (Judges 3:3). • Gaza’s gate: Archaeology at sites such as Tel Sera shows city gates with wooden doors clad in bronze; Samson’s feat implies both massive strength and the failure of Philistine security. Philistine Religion and the Temple of Dagon • Dagon: Often depicted as a grain or fish deity, worshiped for fertility and harvest. • Twin-pillar halls: Excavations at Tel Qasile and Tell es-Safi reveal temples supported by two main wooden pillars on stone bases, matching the account of a collapsing roof crowded with worshipers. Nazirite Vow • Source: Numbers 6:1-21. Three signs—no wine, no cutting hair, no contact with corpses. • Purpose: Total dedication to God for a season; in Samson’s case, lifelong (Judges 13:5). • Samson’s failures: Touching dead lions (Judges 14:8-9), visiting prostitutes (16:1), and finally hair removal. Even so, God still works through him (Romans 11:29). Character Study: Samson Strengths • Physical might empowered by the Spirit (Judges 14:6; 15:14). • Courage against Philistine oppression. Weaknesses • Impulsive appetites—food, women, revenge. • Poor discernment in relationships (14:3; 16:4). • Took his calling for granted until it was almost lost. Key Themes 1. Consequences of Compromise: Repeated small steps toward sin culminate in captivity. 2. God’s Sovereignty: Even through flawed people, the LORD accomplishes His purpose (Judges 14:4). 3. Strength in Weakness: When Samson is blind and helpless, he finally prays and experiences greatest victory—echoing 2 Corinthians 12:9. 4. Faith’s Final Act: Hebrews 11:32 lists Samson among the faithful, focusing on how he finished, not on his failures. Connections to Other Scriptures • Delilah’s nagging recalls Eve and Adam (Genesis 3:6) and Jezebel with Ahab (1 Kings 21:7). • Blinded champions: See 2 Kings 25:7 (Zedekiah) for the humiliating practice of enemies. • Temple judgment parallels: Acts 12:23 (Herod struck down), Isaiah 45:20 (idols powerless). Archaeological Notes • Gaza’s Hill: The “mountain facing Hebron” is likely Tell el-Ajjul’s ridge; gate doors could weigh several tons. • Grinding grain: Samson’s labor matched that of slaves and animals; stone grinding devices dated to the era have been found at Tel Lachish. • Loom pin in 16:14: Bronze weaving tools recovered at Beth-Shemesh illustrate how Delilah pinned Samson’s hair. Spiritual Lessons • Secret sin eventually becomes public (Numbers 32:23). • Bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). • God gives second chances; Samson’s hair growing is a quiet testimony of grace. • Final repentance matters—better to finish well than start well. Geography and Distance • Sorek Valley: Fertile corridor between Judean hills and Philistine plain—easy access for both sides. • Zorah and Eshtaol: Border towns (Joshua 15:33) that frame Samson’s life; he began and ended there. Plain-Language Hebrew Insights • “Lie in wait” (v.2) carries a sense of lurking like a predator. • “Nagged” (v.16) means pressed or tormented—showing emotional battering. • “Entertain us” (v.25) literally “play” or “perform,” reducing the judge of Israel to a clown. Practical Takeaways • Guard your heart and your calling; little compromises lead to big losses. • Physical gifts without spiritual wisdom become traps. • When everything seems lost, call on the LORD—He still hears. • Our greatest impact may come after honest repentance. Foreshadowing the Greater Deliverer Like Samson, Jesus died with outstretched arms, defeating the enemy in His death (Colossians 2:15). Yet Jesus had no sin of His own; He laid down His life willingly—accomplishing perfect deliverance once for all. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. This verse underscores the importance of protecting our hearts from sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. This passage reassures us of God's faithfulness in providing a way out of temptation. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This verse highlights God's ability to bring good out of our failures. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSamson's repeated disregard for his Nazirite vow and God's commands ultimately led to his downfall. Judges 16:1-3 shows Samson visiting a prostitute in Gaza, demonstrating his pattern of compromising behavior. The Deceptive Nature of Sin Delilah's persistent attempts to discover the secret of Samson's strength (Judges 16:4-16) illustrate how sin can be alluring and persistent, wearing down our defenses if we are not vigilant. The Loss of Spiritual Power When Samson finally reveals the secret of his strength to Delilah, he loses his power (Judges 16:17-20). This serves as a reminder that spiritual strength is tied to our obedience and relationship with God. God's Sovereignty and Redemption Despite Samson's failures, God uses him to fulfill His purposes. In Judges 16:28-30, Samson's final act of strength against the Philistines demonstrates God's ability to redeem and use even the flawed for His glory. Practical Applications Guard Your HeartBe vigilant against the subtle encroachments of sin in your life. Regularly examine your heart and actions to ensure they align with God's Word. Value Your Spiritual Commitments Like Samson's Nazirite vow, our commitments to God should be taken seriously. Uphold your promises to God and seek His strength to remain faithful. Seek God's Strength Recognize that true strength comes from God. In moments of weakness, turn to Him for the power to overcome temptation and trials. Trust in God's Redemption No matter how far you may have strayed, remember that God can redeem and use you for His purposes. Seek His forgiveness and allow Him to work through you. People 1. SamsonSamson is the central figure in Judges 16. He is a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which is attributed to his Nazirite vow to God. His account in this chapter includes his downfall due to his relationship with Delilah and his eventual redemption in his final act against the Philistines. 2. Delilah Delilah is a woman from the Valley of Sorek whom Samson loves. She is approached by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength. Her name in Hebrew, דְּלִילָה (Delilah), is often associated with the idea of weakness or impoverishment, which is ironic given her role in Samson's downfall. 3. Philistine Rulers The Philistine rulers are the leaders of the Philistines who conspire with Delilah to capture Samson. They promise her a significant sum of money to betray him. The term used for rulers in Hebrew is סַרְנֵי (sarney), which refers to lords or leaders. 4. Men Lying in Ambush These are the Philistine men who hide in Delilah's chamber, ready to capture Samson once his strength is subdued. They are part of the plot orchestrated by the Philistine rulers and Delilah. 5. The Philistines The Philistines are the primary antagonists in the account of Samson. They are a group of people who are enemies of Israel and seek to subdue Samson, who has been a significant threat to them. 6. The Young Man Leading Samson After Samson is captured and blinded, a young man is assigned to lead him to the temple of Dagon. This young man plays a role in Samson's final act of strength. Places 1. GazaDescription Gaza is a Philistine city where Samson visits a prostitute. The Philistines plan to ambush him there, but he escapes by tearing out the city gate and carrying it to the top of a hill. The Hebrew root for Gaza is "עַזָּה" (ʿAzzah), meaning "strong" or "fortress." 2. Valley of Sorek Description This is the location where Samson meets Delilah. The Valley of Sorek is significant as the place where Delilah, bribed by the Philistine rulers, ultimately betrays Samson by discovering the secret of his strength. The name "Sorek" (שׂוֹרֵק) is associated with a choice vine, indicating a fertile area. 3. Timnah Description Although not directly mentioned in Judges 16, Timnah is relevant to the broader narrative of Samson's life. It is the place where Samson first encounters a Philistine woman, leading to a series of events that escalate tensions between him and the Philistines. The Hebrew root "תִּמְנָה" (Timnah) suggests a portion or an assigned place. Events 1. Samson Visits a Prostitute in GazaSamson travels to Gaza, where he visits a prostitute. The people of Gaza learn of his presence and plan to ambush him at dawn. However, Samson leaves in the middle of the night, taking the city gate's doors with him. (Judges 16:1-3) 2. Samson and Delilah Samson falls in love with a woman named Delilah in the Valley of Sorek. The Philistine rulers offer her money to discover the secret of his strength. (Judges 16:4-5) 3. Delilah's Attempts to Discover Samson's Secret Delilah repeatedly asks Samson to reveal the source of his strength. Samson deceives her three times, each time giving a false explanation. (Judges 16:6-14) 4. Samson Reveals His Secret Pressured by Delilah's persistence, Samson finally reveals that his strength lies in his uncut hair, a symbol of his Nazirite vow to God. (Judges 16:15-17) 5. Samson's Capture Delilah informs the Philistines, who capture Samson after she has his hair cut while he sleeps. His strength leaves him, and the Philistines seize him, gouge out his eyes, and imprison him in Gaza. (Judges 16:18-21) 6. Samson's Final Act of Strength During a Philistine celebration in the temple of Dagon, Samson is brought out to entertain the crowd. He prays to God for strength one last time and pulls down the temple pillars, killing himself and many Philistines. (Judges 16:22-30) 7. Samson's Burial Samson's family retrieves his body and buries him in the tomb of his father Manoah. He had judged Israel for twenty years. (Judges 16:31) Topics 1. Samson and the Prostitute in GazaSamson visits a prostitute in Gaza, and the Philistines plan to ambush him. However, Samson escapes by tearing out the city gate. This episode highlights Samson's physical strength and his moral weaknesses. The Hebrew root for "prostitute" (זֹנָה, zonah) indicates a woman engaged in sexual immorality, which contrasts with the Nazirite vow Samson was supposed to uphold. 2. Samson and Delilah Samson falls in love with Delilah, who is bribed by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of his strength. This section underscores the theme of betrayal and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. The name "Delilah" (דְּלִילָה, Delilah) is thought to be related to the Hebrew word for "weak" or "languish," foreshadowing Samson's downfall. 3. Samson's Secret Revealed After several attempts, Delilah finally persuades Samson to reveal that his strength lies in his uncut hair, a symbol of his Nazirite vow. This moment marks the turning point in the narrative, where Samson's spiritual and physical vulnerabilities are exposed. The Hebrew term for "Nazirite" (נָזִיר, nazir) signifies one who is consecrated or set apart, which Samson ultimately fails to honor. 4. Samson's Capture and Humiliation Once his hair is cut, Samson loses his strength and is captured by the Philistines, who gouge out his eyes and imprison him. This section illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the loss of divine favor. The Hebrew verb for "gouge out" (נָקַר, naqar) conveys a violent and humiliating act, emphasizing Samson's fall from grace. 5. Samson's Final Victory and Death While imprisoned, Samson's hair begins to grow back. During a Philistine celebration, he prays to God for strength one last time and collapses the temple, killing himself and many Philistines. This act of faith and repentance leads to a final victory over the enemies of Israel. The Hebrew word for "pray" (קָרָא, qara) signifies a call or cry out to God, reflecting Samson's return to reliance on divine power. Themes 1. The Consequences of DisobedienceJudges 16 highlights the theme of disobedience to God's commands and its consequences. Samson's repeated disregard for his Nazirite vow, particularly in his relationship with Delilah, leads to his downfall. The Hebrew root for "Nazirite" (נָזִיר, nazir) implies a consecrated or set-apart status, which Samson fails to uphold. 2. The Deceptive Nature of Sin The chapter illustrates how sin can be alluring yet ultimately destructive. Delilah's persistent enticement of Samson (Judges 16:6-19) demonstrates how sin can deceive and lead one away from God's purpose. The Hebrew word for "deceive" (פָּתָה, pathah) suggests being enticed or seduced, which is evident in Samson's interactions with Delilah. 3. The Power of God's Spirit Despite Samson's failures, Judges 16 shows that God's Spirit can empower individuals for His purposes. In Judges 16:28-30, Samson's final act of strength is attributed to the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. The Hebrew word for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) signifies breath or wind, symbolizing divine empowerment. 4. Repentance and Redemption Samson's prayer in Judges 16:28 reflects a moment of repentance and a plea for redemption. He acknowledges his need for God's strength, demonstrating that even in failure, turning back to God is possible. The Hebrew root for "repent" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or turn back, highlighting the theme of seeking God's mercy. 5. The Sovereignty of God The narrative underscores God's sovereignty, as He uses even flawed individuals like Samson to accomplish His purposes. Despite Samson's personal failings, God delivers Israel from the Philistines through him. The Hebrew concept of God's sovereignty (מֶלֶךְ, melek) emphasizes His ultimate authority and control over events. 6. The Cost of Betrayal Delilah's betrayal of Samson for silver (Judges 16:5) serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of betrayal. The Hebrew word for "betray" (בָּגַד, bagad) conveys treachery and unfaithfulness, highlighting the destructive impact of such actions on relationships and trust. 7. The Role of Weakness in God's Plan Samson's physical blindness and weakness after his capture (Judges 16:21) become the setting for God's strength to be displayed. This theme reflects the biblical principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness, as seen in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 12:9). The Hebrew word for "weakness" (חֹלִי, choli) can also mean sickness or frailty, emphasizing human limitations contrasted with divine strength. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Judges 16:1–3, how could Samson realistically carry away an entire city gate on his shoulders? 2. In Judges 16:4–20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him? 5. In Judges 16, why would God continue to work through Samson despite his moral failings? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Samson's actions in Gaza reflect his character? 2. Analyze Delilah's role. Was she a victim of circumstances or a willing participant in Samson's downfall? 3. Discuss the theme of betrayal in this chapter. How does it manifest and what are the consequences? 4. Explore the idea of Samson's strength. How was it tied to his faith, and what does this suggest about the relationship between physical and spiritual strength? 5. Why do you think Samson revealed his secret to Delilah? Was it merely a mistake or indicative of deeper character flaws? 6. How does the motif of sight play a role in this chapter, with Samson's eyes being gouged out and his later actions 'in the dark'? 7. Discuss the significance of Samson's hair growing back. 8. How does Samson's prayer and final act show his return to faith? 9. Samson killed more Philistines in his death than in his life. How does this resonate with the theme of sacrifice and redemption? 10. How does this chapter portray the Philistines? Is there any room for empathy towards them? 11. What lessons can we learn from Samson's life, particularly his downfall and redemption? 12. In modern context, how might the temptation and betrayal faced by Samson manifest in our lives? 13. How can we resist the sort of temptations that Samson succumbed to? 14. Like Samson, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. How can we ensure our strengths don't lead to pride and our downfall? 15. How can we recover from betrayal and move towards forgiveness, learning from Samson's story? 16. What does Samson's story teach us about God's forgiveness and redemption? 17. In what ways can we see the mercy of God in Samson's final act? 18. How can we apply the lessons from Samson's life to handle adversities in our lives? 19. Can Samson's story be seen as a cautionary tale about the misuse of God-given gifts? 20. In the context of today's society, how can we remain faithful to God amidst pressures and enticements of the world? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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