In Judges 16:4, Samson fell in love with Delilah.
The biblical account in Judges 16:4–22 details Samson's deep affection for Delilah, a woman from the Valley of Sorek. This relationship proved to be a pivotal point in Samson's life, leading to the revelation of the secret behind his extraordinary strength and his subsequent capture by the Philistines.
The Character of Delilah
Delilah is primarily known for her role in betraying Samson. Her motivation stemmed from a significant financial incentive offered by the Philistine lords. They approached her with an "outrageous sum of money" in exchange for her assistance in discovering the source of Samson's immense power.
- Her Location: She resided in the Valley of Sorek, which was situated near the Philistine territory, placing her strategically close to Samson's sphere of influence.
- Her Mission: Her task was to seduce Samson and then extract the secret of his strength. This plan was meticulously executed through persistent questioning and emotional manipulation.
The Betrayal Unfolds
The narrative in Judges 16 recounts Delilah's repeated attempts to uncover Samson's secret. Each time, Samson would give her a false answer, and she would then try to incapacitate him according to his instructions. However, his strength would remain.
| Attempt | Samson's Falsehood | Delilah's Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seven fresh bowstrings | Tied him with bowstrings | He snapped them like thread |
| 2 | New ropes | Tied him with new ropes | He snapped them like thread |
| 3 | Weave his hair into loom | Weaved his hair | He pulled up the loom |
| 4 | Shave his seven braids | Shaved his hair | His strength left him |
Ultimately, Samson, worn down by her daily pleas and persistence, revealed that his strength lay in his seven locks of hair, which had never been cut as part of his Nazirite vow. Once this secret was disclosed, Delilah seized the opportunity. She arranged for his hair to be shaved while he slept on her lap, effectively rendering him powerless.
Consequences for Samson
With his strength gone, Samson was easily apprehended by the Philistines. They gouged out his eyes, bound him with bronze chains, and forced him to grind grain in the prison at Gaza. This tragic turn of events was a direct consequence of his love for Delilah and her subsequent betrayal, which was driven by the significant monetary reward from his enemies. The story of Samson and Delilah serves as a cautionary tale within biblical narratives about vulnerability, trust, and the consequences of compromising one's principles.
