Introduction

Bribery, a form of corruption involving the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority, is a theme that appears in various narratives throughout the Bible. One of the most illustrative examples of bribery in the Scriptures is found in the account of Delilah and Samson, as recorded in the Book of Judges. This account highlights the moral and spiritual dangers associated with bribery and its destructive consequences.

Biblical Account

The account of Delilah is found in Judges 16. Samson, a Nazirite with extraordinary strength, was a judge of Israel who frequently battled the Philistines. His strength was a divine gift, contingent upon his adherence to the Nazirite vow, which included not cutting his hair. The Philistines, seeking to subdue Samson, turned to bribery as a means to discover the secret of his strength.

In Judges 16:5 , the Philistine rulers approached Delilah, a woman with whom Samson was infatuated, and offered her a substantial bribe: "The 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 so that we may tie him up and subdue him. Then each of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.'" This bribe was significant, indicating the Philistines' desperation and the value they placed on capturing Samson.

Delilah's Role

Delilah's acceptance of the bribe reveals her willingness to betray Samson for financial gain. Her actions exemplify the corrupting influence of money and the moral compromise that often accompanies bribery. Delilah's repeated attempts to extract the secret of Samson's strength demonstrate her persistence and the power of the bribe as a motivator. Despite Samson's initial resistance, Delilah's persistence eventually led him to reveal the truth: "No razor has ever come upon my head, 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" (Judges 16:17).

Consequences

The consequences of Delilah's betrayal were catastrophic for Samson. Once his hair was cut, the Philistines captured him, gouged out his eyes, and imprisoned him. This narrative underscores the destructive power of bribery, not only for the victim but also for the one who accepts the bribe. Delilah's actions led to Samson's downfall and suffering, illustrating the broader biblical principle that sin, including the sin of bribery, leads to destruction.

Moral and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Delilah and Samson serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing material gain above spiritual and moral integrity. The Bible consistently condemns bribery as an act that perverts justice and undermines righteousness. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God values justice, honesty, and integrity.

In the context of Delilah's account, bribery is shown to be a tool of the wicked, used to achieve unjust ends. It highlights the vulnerability of individuals who prioritize wealth over righteousness and the inevitable consequences of such choices. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the dangers of allowing greed to dictate one's actions.Judges 16:5
And the lords of the Philistines came up to her, and said to her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lies, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and we will give you every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
Nave's Topical Index

A Description of Heart-Purity
... (viii) Covetousness is the root of bribery and injustice. ... Sin is the Delilah
that bewitches, and it is much to see men divorced from it. ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

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