So Delilah said to Samson, "Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued." So Delilah said to Samson,Delilah is a Philistine woman whom Samson loves, and her name is often associated with betrayal. Her role in the narrative highlights the recurring theme of Israel's entanglement with foreign nations and their gods. Delilah's approach to Samson is direct, indicating her determination and the influence of the Philistine rulers who have promised her a reward for discovering the secret of Samson's strength. “Please tell me the source of your great strength
Samson's strength is legendary, and it is a gift from God, linked to his Nazirite vow, which includes not cutting his hair. This request from Delilah is significant because it touches on the divine aspect of Samson's abilities. The Philistines are aware that his strength is not natural, and they seek to understand and undermine the divine favor that empowers him. This mirrors the spiritual battles believers face, where the enemy seeks to understand and exploit weaknesses. and how you can be tied up and subdued.”
Delilah's inquiry is not just about understanding Samson's strength but also about finding a way to neutralize it. The language of being "tied up and subdued" foreshadows Samson's eventual capture and humiliation by the Philistines. This phrase also reflects the broader narrative of Israel's struggle with sin and oppression, as they often find themselves "tied up" by their disobedience and need deliverance. Samson's eventual downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's divine calling. Persons / Places / Events 1. DelilahA Philistine woman who is approached by the lords of the Philistines to discover the secret of Samson's strength. Her name is often associated with betrayal and seduction. 2. SamsonA judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which is attributed to his Nazirite vow. He is a complex character, often driven by personal desires. 3. PhilistinesA group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They sought to subdue Samson, who had been a significant threat to them. 4. Sorek ValleyThe location where Samson meets Delilah. It is a region known for its vineyards, which is significant given Samson's Nazirite vow to abstain from wine. 5. Lords of the PhilistinesThe rulers who conspire with Delilah to capture Samson by discovering the source of his strength. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseSamson's relationship with Delilah illustrates the peril of compromising one's values and commitments. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid entanglements that lead them away from God. The Power of InfluenceDelilah's ability to sway Samson highlights the impact others can have on our spiritual journey. Christians should seek relationships that encourage and strengthen their walk with God. The Consequences of DisobedienceSamson's eventual downfall serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. It is crucial to remain obedient to God's Word to maintain spiritual strength. God's Sovereignty and RedemptionDespite Samson's failures, God uses his life to fulfill His purposes. This teaches that God can redeem our mistakes and use them for His glory. Guarding the HeartSamson's account underscores the importance of guarding one's heart against influences that can lead to spiritual downfall. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and discerning in their relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samson's relationship with Delilah reflect the dangers of compromising one's faith? Can you identify areas in your life where you might be compromising? 2. In what ways can the account of Samson and Delilah serve as a warning about the power of influence? How can you ensure that your relationships are spiritually edifying? 3. Reflect on the consequences of Samson's disobedience. How does this account encourage you to remain obedient to God's commands in your own life? 4. How does the account of Samson demonstrate God's sovereignty and ability to use even our failures for His purposes? Can you think of a time when God used a difficult situation in your life for good? 5. Considering Proverbs 7, how can you apply the wisdom of guarding your heart in today's world? What practical steps can you take to protect yourself from negative influences? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 14-15These chapters provide background on Samson's life, his Nazirite vow, and his previous encounters with the Philistines, setting the stage for his relationship with Delilah. Numbers 6This chapter outlines the Nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from cutting hair, consuming wine, and avoiding contact with the dead. Samson's strength is tied to his adherence to this vow. Proverbs 7This passage warns against the seductive and destructive power of immoral relationships, paralleling Delilah's influence over Samson. | A Grist from the Prison Mill of Gaza | . A. Scott, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | As At Other Times | J. Durran. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness | A. Maclaren | Judges 16:1-31 | | How not to Pray | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Ignominious Tasks | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Individulalism in Religion | R. Balgarnie, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Lessons from the Life of Samson | Abp. Wm. Alexander. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Loss of Strength | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Lost Grace Unrealised | R. Rogers. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Man's Cannot and Man's Can: a New Year's Address | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | Man's Power for God's Work | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | Moral Strength | Joseph Ritson. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Our Champion | | Judges 16:1-31 | | Pleasure and Peril in Gaza | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson Conquered | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson Shorn of His Strength | The Preacher's Monthly | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson, the Jewish Hercules | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | Shaven and Shorn, But not Beyond Hope | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 16:1-31 | | Strength Lost | H. J. Bevis. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Strength Lost and Restored | H. J. Bevis. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Death of Samson | G. M. Boynton. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Evil of Knowing Evil | J. C. Coghlan, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Fall and Rise of a Great Man | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Giant's Locks | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Gradual and Subtle Advance of Sin | Bp. Boyd Carpenter. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Influence of Amusements on Character and Destiny | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Man Who has Trifled Once Too Often | Dean Vaughan. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Secret of Samson's Strength | J. Clifford, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Victim and the Victor | E. P. Hood. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Weakness of Strength | G. Elliott. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Withdrawal of Divine Influences | J. Williamson. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson's Betrayal and Fall | A.F. Muir | Judges 16:4-21 |
People Dagon, Delilah, Gazathites, Gazites, Manoah, SamsonPlaces Eshtaol, Gaza, Hebron, Valley of Sorek, ZorahTopics Afflict, Bands, Bound, Clear, Declare, Delilah, Deli'lah, Feeble, Lies, Lieth, Mayest, Mightest, Please, Power, Samson, Secret, Strength, Subdue, Subdued, Tied, Wherein, WherewithDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 16:6 5957 strength, spiritual Judges 16:1-22 5155 hair Judges 16:5-17 5941 secrecy Judges 16:6-16 8654 importunity, to people Library Strength Profaned and Lost
'But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison-house. 22, Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. 23. Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. 24. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureSamson Conquered
Now, why have I narrated this story? Why should I direct your attention to Samson? For this reason. Every child of God is a consecrated man. His consecration is not typified by any outward symbol; we are not commanded to let our hair grow for ever, nor to abstain from meats or drinks. The Christian is a consecrated man, but his consecration is unseen by his fellows, except in the outward deeds which are the result thereof. And now I want to speak to you, my dear friends, as consecrated men, as Nazarites, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Whether it is Lawful to Kill Oneself?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for a man to kill himself. For murder is a sin in so far as it is contrary to justice. But no man can do an injustice to himself, as is proved in Ethic. v, 11. Therefore no man sins by killing himself. Objection 2: Further, it is lawful, for one who exercises public authority, to kill evil-doers. Now he who exercises public authority is sometimes an evil-doer. Therefore he may lawfully kill himself. Objection 3: Further, it is lawful for a man to suffer spontaneously …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Christian Ballads.
Echoes of Hebrew thought, if not Hebrew psalmody, may have made their way into the more serious pagan literature. At least in the more enlightened pagans there has ever revealed itself more or less the instinct of the human soul that "feels after" God. St. Paul in his address to the Athenians made a tactful as well as scholarly point to preface a missionary sermon when he cited a line from a poem of Aratus (B.C. 272) familiar, doubtless, to the majority of his hearers. Dr. Lyman Abbot has thus translated …
Theron Brown—The Story of the Hymns and Tunes Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness
'... Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.'--EXODUS xxxiv. 29. '... And Samson wist not that the Lord had departed from him.'--JUDGES xvi. 20. The recurrence of the same phrase in two such opposite connections is very striking. Moses, fresh from the mountain of vision, where he had gazed on as much of the glory of God as was accessible to man, caught some gleam of the light which he adoringly beheld; and a strange radiance sat on his face, unseen by himself, but …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ...
Here, by way of objection, several questions are raised. Scripture relates that God sometimes complied with certain prayers which had been dictated by minds not duly calmed or regulated. It is true, that the cause for which Jotham imprecated on the inhabitants of Shechem the disaster which afterwards befell them was well founded; but still he was inflamed with anger and revenge (Judges 9:20); and hence God, by complying with the execration, seems to approve of passionate impulses. Similar fervour …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Effectual Calling
THE second qualification of the persons to whom this privilege in the text belongs, is, They are the called of God. All things work for good "to them who are called." Though this word called is placed in order after loving of God, yet in nature it goes before it. Love is first named, but not first wrought; we must be called of God, before we can love God. Calling is made (Rom. viii. 30) the middle link of the golden chain of salvation. It is placed between predestination and glorification; and if …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Trials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 16:6 NIVJudges 16:6 NLTJudges 16:6 ESVJudges 16:6 NASBJudges 16:6 KJV
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