Judges 16:17

Samson told her all that was in his heart: "My hair has never been cut, 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."

Study Bible

So he told her all his heart
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Samson and Delilah. The Hebrew word for "heart" here is "לֵב" (lev), which often signifies not just the seat of emotions but also the center of one's will and intellect. Samson's decision to reveal his heart to Delilah indicates a complete and vulnerable disclosure of his innermost being. In the context of ancient Israel, the heart was seen as the core of one's identity and decision-making. This act of revealing his heart signifies a profound trust and surrender, albeit misplaced, as it leads to his downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving one's heart to those who do not honor God.

and said to her
The act of speaking in the biblical context often carries weight and consequence. In Hebrew culture, words were seen as powerful and binding. Samson's verbal confession to Delilah is not just a casual conversation but a significant act that sets the course for the events that follow. This highlights the biblical principle that words have the power to create and destroy, to bless and to curse.

No razor has ever come upon my head
This statement refers to the Nazirite vow, a special commitment to God described in Numbers 6:1-21. The vow included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair. Samson's long hair was a symbol of his consecration to God and the source of his supernatural strength. The mention of the razor underscores the sacredness of his vow and the divine empowerment that came with it. Historically, the Nazirite vow was a sign of dedication and separation unto the Lord, and breaking it was a serious offense.

because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb
Samson's identity as a Nazirite was divinely ordained even before his birth, as seen in Judges 13:5. The phrase "from my mother’s womb" emphasizes the lifelong nature of his calling and the divine purpose set for him. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such a lifelong dedication was rare and signified a special mission. This underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and purpose in the lives of God's people.

If I am shaved
The conditional "if" introduces the potential for breaking the Nazirite vow. Shaving his head would symbolize the severing of his covenant with God. In the ancient world, hair often symbolized strength and vitality, and for Samson, it was the outward sign of his unique relationship with God. This phrase foreshadows the impending loss of his strength and the spiritual consequences of his actions.

my strength will leave me
Samson's strength was not inherent but was a gift from God, contingent upon his faithfulness to the Nazirite vow. The Hebrew word for "strength" is "כֹּחַ" (koach), which denotes not just physical power but also the ability to accomplish God's purposes. The departure of his strength signifies the withdrawal of God's empowering presence due to his disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the reliance on God's power rather than one's own.

and I will become as weak as any other man
This phrase highlights the contrast between Samson's divinely endowed strength and the natural human condition. The implication is that without God's empowerment, Samson is no different from any other person. It serves as a humbling reminder of human frailty and the necessity of divine grace. In the broader biblical narrative, it underscores the theme that true strength and effectiveness come from God alone, not from human effort or ability.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God as part of his Nazirite vow.

2. Delilah
A woman from the Valley of Sorek who was used by the Philistines to discover the secret of Samson's strength.

3. Nazirite Vow
A special vow of dedication to God, which included abstaining from cutting one's hair, consuming wine, and avoiding contact with dead bodies.

4. Philistines
The enemies of Israel during the time of the judges, who sought to subdue Samson and the Israelites.

5. Valley of Sorek
The location where Delilah lived and where Samson frequently visited, leading to his eventual downfall.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Samson's strength was tied to his obedience to the Nazirite vow. Disobedience led to his downfall.

Guarding the Heart
Samson's failure to guard his heart against Delilah's manipulation serves as a warning to protect our own hearts from deceit.

The Consequences of Compromise
Samson's gradual compromise with Delilah shows how small concessions can lead to significant spiritual defeat.

God's Sovereignty and Grace
Despite Samson's failures, God used him to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that God can work through our weaknesses.

The Danger of Pride
Samson's reliance on his own strength rather than God highlights the danger of pride and self-reliance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's relationship with Delilah illustrate the dangers of forming close ties with those who do not share our faith?

2. In what ways can we guard our hearts against the influences that seek to lead us away from God's will, as seen in Proverbs 4:23?

3. Reflect on a time when you compromised in a small area and it led to larger consequences. How can Samson's account help you avoid similar pitfalls in the future?

4. How does the account of Samson encourage us to rely on God's strength rather than our own, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 10:12?

5. Considering Hebrews 11:32, how can we find hope in God's ability to use us for His purposes despite our past failures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 6:1-21
Provides the detailed requirements of the Nazirite vow, which Samson was under from birth.

Judges 13:5
The angel of the Lord announces Samson's birth and his lifelong Nazirite vow.

Proverbs 4:23
Emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart, which Samson failed to do with Delilah.

1 Corinthians 10:12
Warns believers to be careful not to fall, as Samson did by revealing his secret.

Hebrews 11:32
Mentions Samson as a man of faith, despite his failures, showing God's grace and redemption.