Judges Chapter 16 — Samson and Delilah
Samson is betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines, but he uses his restored strength to collapse a temple in a final act of sacrifice.
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Notable Verses
Judges 16:17
“He told her all his heart and said to her, “No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me and I will become weak, and be like any other man.””
This verse reveals the source of Samson's strength and his commitment to the Nazirite vow.
Judges 16:20
“She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” He awakened out of his sleep, and said, “I will go out as at other times, and shake myself free.” But he didn't know that the LORD had departed from him.”
It marks the tragic turning point where Samson loses his divine empowerment due to his choices.
Judges 16:30
“Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were in it.”
This depicts the climax of Samson's life and his final victory over Israel's enemies.
Chapter Summary
Judges 16 details the final episodes of Samson's life, beginning with his escape from an ambush in Gaza where he carries the city gates to a hilltop. He later falls in love with Delilah, who is bribed by Philistine leaders to find the secret of his immense strength. Samson misleads her three times, but eventually reveals that his power is tied to his Nazirite vow and his uncut hair. While he sleeps, Delilah has his hair shaved, and he is captured, blinded, and forced to work in a Philistine prison. During a great festival for the god Dagon, the Philistines bring Samson out for entertainment. Samson prays for strength one last time and pulls down the supporting pillars of the temple, killing himself along with the Philistine lords and thousands of others. He is buried by his family, having judged Israel for twenty years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Samson's strength was tied to his Nazirite vow to God, which included the requirement that no razor ever touch his head. When his hair was cut, he broke the vow, and his supernatural strength left him.
Delilah pressured Samson daily with her words, questioning his love for her and urging him to share his secret. Eventually, the text says his soul was 'troubled to death' by her persistence, and he told her everything.
The text notes that his hair began to grow again after being shaved, symbolizing a potential restoration of his connection to his vow and God's mercy while he was in captivity.
The Philistines gathered to celebrate their victory over Samson. Samson was placed between the temple's support pillars; after praying for strength, he pushed the pillars down, causing the building to collapse and killing more enemies in his death than during his life.
Study Note
The temple of Dagon in Gaza was likely a multi-level structure supported by central cedar pillars on stone bases, which fits the archaeological descriptions of Philistine architecture.
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