Topical Encyclopedia Delilah is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 16. She is best known for her role in the account of Samson, the last of the judges of Israel, whose exploits against the Philistines are recounted in the preceding chapters. Delilah's account is a cautionary tale about temptation, betrayal, and the consequences of straying from God's commandments.Biblical Account Delilah is introduced in Judges 16:4, where it is stated, "After this, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah." The Valley of Sorek was a region that bordered Philistine territory, indicating that Delilah may have been a Philistine or at least aligned with them. Her relationship with Samson, a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth, sets the stage for one of the most dramatic episodes in the Book of Judges. The Philistine rulers, seeking to subdue Samson, approach Delilah with an offer of eleven hundred pieces of silver each if she can discover the secret of Samson's great strength. Judges 16:5 records their proposition: "Entice him, and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him, so we may tie him up and subdue him." Delilah's attempts to extract Samson's secret are marked by persistence and cunning. She asks Samson three times to reveal the source of his strength, and each time he deceives her with false information. However, Delilah's persistence eventually wears down Samson. Judges 16:16-17 states, "With such nagging she pressed him day after day until he was sick to death of it. So he told her everything: 'No razor has ever been used on my head,' he said, 'because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.'" Upon learning the truth, Delilah lulls Samson to sleep on her lap and calls for a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair, thus betraying him to the Philistines. Judges 16:19-20 describes the moment of betrayal: "After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, 'Samson, the Philistines are upon you!' He awoke from his sleep and thought, 'I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the LORD had left him." Character Analysis Delilah's actions have been interpreted as a profound betrayal, not only of Samson but also of the trust and love he placed in her. Her willingness to betray Samson for monetary gain highlights themes of greed and manipulation. Delilah's account serves as a warning against the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the destructive power of deceit. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Delilah's account underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the perils of compromising one's divine calling. Samson's downfall is attributed to his failure to adhere to his Nazirite vow, symbolized by the cutting of his hair. Delilah's role in this narrative illustrates how external temptations can lead to spiritual and physical ruin when one strays from God's path. Cultural and Historical Context In the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, Delilah's actions can be seen as part of the larger conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. Her involvement with the Philistine leaders suggests a complex interplay of personal relationships and political intrigue. Delilah's account reflects the broader themes of the Book of Judges, where Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is depicted. Legacy Delilah's legacy is one of infamy, often cited as an archetype of the "femme fatale" in literature and art. Her account has been retold and reinterpreted throughout history, serving as a powerful reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and commitments. Smith's Bible Dictionary Delilah or Delilah(languishing) a woman who dwelt in the valley Of Sorek, beloved by Samson. (Judges 16:4-18) There seems to be little doubt that she was a Philistine courtesan. [SAMS0N] (B.C. 1141.) Strong's Hebrew 1807. Delilah -- Philistine mistress of Samson... 1806, 1807. Delilah. 1808 . Philistine mistress of Samson. Transliteration: Delilah Phonetic Spelling: (del-ee-law') Short Definition: Delilah. ... Delilah. ... /hebrew/1807.htm - 6k 7796a. Soreq -- "choice vines," a valley where Delilah lived 7796. Sowreq -- "choice vines," a valley where Delilah lived 1810. Dilan -- a city in Judah Library A Strong Man who Lost his Strength The Story of Samson, the Strong Man Sleep Not Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ... Strength Profaned and Lost Mutual Help. Come, Let us Hear How they Contend for victory: the Guilty Ones ... How Long Standing an Evil Love of Money Is... Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin Resources Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to vex / be vexed? | GotQuestions.org What was the source of Samson's strength? | GotQuestions.org Delilah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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