Judges 16:10

Then Delilah said to Samson, "You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up."

Study Bible

Then Delilah said to Samson
The name "Delilah" is of uncertain origin, but it is often associated with the Hebrew root "dalal," meaning "to weaken" or "to impoverish." This is fitting, as Delilah's role in Samson's life was to discover the secret of his strength and ultimately lead to his downfall. Delilah's interaction with Samson is a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the dangers of personal relationships that are not grounded in mutual respect and godly principles. Historically, Delilah is seen as a Philistine woman, and her involvement with Samson, a judge of Israel, underscores the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines during this period.

You have mocked me
The Hebrew word for "mocked" is "hatal," which can also mean to deceive or to make a fool of someone. Delilah's accusation here is emotionally charged, as she feels humiliated by Samson's previous false answers. This phrase reflects the manipulative dynamics in their relationship, where Delilah uses emotional appeals to extract the truth from Samson. In a broader scriptural context, this interaction serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the importance of integrity in relationships.

and lied to me!
The word "lied" in Hebrew is "kazab," which means to speak falsely or to deceive. This accusation is significant because it highlights the moral and ethical decline in Samson's life. Despite being chosen by God as a Nazirite, Samson's actions often reflect a departure from his divine calling. The repetition of deceit in his interactions with Delilah serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers of compromising one's values and the importance of truthfulness as a reflection of one's faith.

Now please tell me
The phrase "please tell me" indicates a shift in Delilah's approach, from accusation to persuasion. The use of "please" suggests a softer, more coaxing tone, which is part of her strategy to gain Samson's trust. This reflects a common tactic in manipulative relationships, where emotional appeals are used to achieve one's goals. In the broader biblical narrative, this moment foreshadows the eventual revelation of Samson's secret, leading to his capture and downfall.

how you can be tied up
The phrase "tied up" is central to the narrative, as it directly relates to the secret of Samson's strength. In Hebrew, the word "asar" means to bind or to imprison. This request is not just about physical restraint but symbolizes the spiritual and moral bondage that results from Samson's disobedience to God. The repeated attempts to bind Samson serve as a metaphor for the spiritual entanglements that can ensnare believers when they stray from God's path. This part of the verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and the consequences of allowing oneself to be spiritually "tied up" by sin and temptation.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Delilah
A Philistine woman who was used by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength.

3. Philistines
The enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges, often in conflict with Samson.

4. Nazirite Vow
A special vow taken to set oneself apart for God, which included abstaining from cutting hair, consuming alcohol, and avoiding contact with dead bodies.

5. Valley of Sorek
The location where Samson met Delilah, a place associated with temptation and betrayal.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Samson's interactions with Delilah highlight the peril of compromising one's values and commitments, especially in relationships that lead us away from God.

Recognizing Temptation
Delilah's persistence is a reminder to be vigilant and discerning about the sources of temptation in our lives, understanding that they often come subtly and repeatedly.

The Importance of Integrity
Samson's deception of Delilah shows the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness, even when faced with pressure or manipulation.

Guarding Our Hearts
The account encourages believers to guard their hearts and minds, being cautious about whom we allow to influence us and how we respond to their demands.

God's Strength in Our Weakness
Despite Samson's failures, his account ultimately points to God's ability to use even our weaknesses for His purposes, reminding us to rely on His strength rather than our own.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Samson's repeated interactions with Delilah about the nature of temptation and how to resist it?

2. How does Samson's account illustrate the consequences of compromising one's commitments to God?

3. In what ways can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 7 to avoid the pitfalls of seductive and manipulative influences in our lives?

4. How does 1 Corinthians 10:13 encourage us when we face persistent temptations, and what practical steps can we take to find the "way out" that God provides?

5. Reflecting on James 1:14-15, how can we identify and address the desires that lead us into temptation, ensuring they do not give birth to sin in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 14-15
Provides background on Samson's life, his feats of strength, and his conflicts with the Philistines, setting the stage for his encounter with Delilah.

Proverbs 7
Offers wisdom on the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the allure of seductive words, paralleling Samson's situation with Delilah.

1 Corinthians 10:13
Discusses God's faithfulness in providing a way out of temptation, relevant to Samson's repeated testing by Delilah.

James 1:14-15
Explains the process of temptation leading to sin, which can be seen in Samson's gradual yielding to Delilah's persistence.