What is the meaning of Judges 16:16? Finally Samson has resisted Delilah’s probing three times (Judges 16:6–15). The word “finally” marks the breaking point. God’s Word often shows a “last straw” moment when repeated temptation meets a heart already flirting with compromise (cf. “When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin,” James 1:15). • The patient mercy of God is real (2 Peter 3:9), yet persistent dabbling with sin eventually reaps a harvest (Galatians 6:7–8). • Samson’s flirtation with danger mirrors Israel’s larger cycle in Judges—delivering grace followed by fresh rebellion. after she had pressed him daily Delilah’s strategy is relentless, not dramatic. Scripture warns that temptation often arrives “day after day” (Genesis 39:10, Potiphar’s wife with Joseph). • Daily pressure can erode firm convictions when they are not daily reinforced (Ephesians 6:13). • Spiritual victory yesterday is no guarantee for today; we “take up” the armor repeatedly. with her words Words matter. “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield” (Proverbs 7:21). • The tongue can be a tool for either life or manipulation (Proverbs 18:21). • Listening unguardedly to voices that contradict God’s call slowly shifts the heart (Psalm 1:1). and pleaded Delilah moves from flattery to emotional leverage. Judges already recorded an earlier episode: “She wept before him the seven days…so he explained the riddle” (Judges 14:17). • Emotional appeals can cloud discernment when truth is not anchored firmly (Philippians 1:9–10). • Samson’s calling was Nazirite consecration (Numbers 6:5), yet he allows personal desire to overrule covenant duty. until he was sick to death The phrase pictures utter exhaustion—Samson’s soul “was annoyed to death” (similar wording in Judges 16:16 NASB). • Weariness itself is not sin, but surrendering convictions to relieve pressure is (Galatians 6:9). • Persistent temptation aims to wear saints down (Daniel 7:25), but God promises “the way of escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Samson’s capitulation will cost him freedom, sight, and years of life; yet even here God will ultimately bring about deliverance for His people (Judges 16:30). summary Judges 16:16 pictures the cumulative power of relentless temptation. Delilah’s daily words erode Samson’s resolve until exhaustion replaces vigilance. The verse warns that small compromises, tolerated repeatedly, can topple even the strongest. Our defense is daily renewal in truth, guarded ears, and quick dependence on the Lord, who always provides strength to stand. |
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