Background and Context:
Samson, a judge of Israel, is one of the most renowned figures in the Book of Judges. His life is marked by extraordinary feats of strength, which are attributed to his Nazirite vow to God. This vow included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair. Samson's account is a narrative of divine empowerment, human weakness, and eventual redemption.

The Betrayal by Delilah:
The capture of Samson is intricately linked to his relationship with Delilah, a woman from the Valley of Sorek. The Philistines, who were the oppressors of Israel at the time, sought to exploit Samson's weakness for women to discover the secret of his strength. They approached Delilah with an offer of eleven hundred pieces of silver from each of the Philistine rulers if she could uncover the source of Samson's power (Judges 16:5).

Delilah's persistent questioning eventually wore down Samson. Despite initially misleading her with false sources of his strength, Samson ultimately revealed 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).

The Capture:
With this knowledge, Delilah orchestrated Samson's downfall. She lulled him to sleep on her lap and called for a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. As his hair was cut, "his strength left him" (Judges 16:19). Delilah then cried out, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" (Judges 16:20). Samson awoke, thinking he could free himself as before, but he did not realize that the LORD had departed from him.

The Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. There, they bound him with bronze shackles and set him to grinding grain in the prison (Judges 16:21). This marked a period of humiliation and suffering for Samson, who had once been a mighty deliverer of Israel.

Theological Significance:
Samson's capture serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the perils of succumbing to temptation. His downfall was not merely due to Delilah's betrayal but also his own failure to adhere to his Nazirite vow and his overconfidence in his own abilities. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of moral compromise.

Despite his capture, Samson's account does not end in defeat. His hair began to grow back, symbolizing the potential for restoration and divine grace. This sets the stage for his final act of strength and redemption, which would come later in the narrative.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during the time of the judges. Their advanced military technology and strategic coastal locations made them formidable adversaries. Samson's capture by the Philistines highlights the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their oppressors, a theme prevalent throughout the Book of Judges.

Samson's account, including his capture, is a reflection of the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the judges. It serves as a narrative of both warning and hope, illustrating the complexities of human nature and the enduring mercy of God.