Judges 16:19

And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him.

Study Bible

And having lulled him to sleep on her lap
This phrase highlights Delilah's role in Samson's downfall, using deception and seduction. The act of lulling Samson to sleep signifies a betrayal of trust, as Samson is vulnerable and unaware of the impending danger. This scene is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where trust is broken, such as Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49). The imagery of sleep can also symbolize spiritual complacency or blindness, as seen in Ephesians 5:14, which calls believers to awaken from spiritual slumber.

she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head
The act of shaving Samson's head is significant because it breaks his Nazirite vow, which included not cutting his hair (Numbers 6:5). The seven braids symbolize completeness and divine strength, as the number seven often represents perfection or completion in the Bible (Genesis 2:2-3). The involvement of another man in this act underscores the betrayal and the communal aspect of Samson's downfall, as it wasn't just Delilah but others who participated in his capture.

In this way she began to subdue him
Delilah's actions lead to the subjugation of Samson, a judge of Israel who was meant to deliver his people from the Philistines. This subduing is both physical and spiritual, as Samson's strength was a gift from God, contingent upon his faithfulness to his Nazirite vow. The narrative reflects the broader theme of Israel's cyclical sin and subjugation in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites repeatedly fall into idolatry and are oppressed by their enemies (Judges 2:11-19).

and his strength left him
Samson's loss of strength signifies the departure of the Lord's presence and favor, as his physical power was directly linked to his spiritual commitment. This moment parallels the departure of God's glory from the temple in Ezekiel 10, symbolizing judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Samson's plight foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ, who, unlike Samson, remained faithful and obedient, even unto death, to secure victory over sin and death for humanity (Philippians 2:8).

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, including not cutting his hair.

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

3. Philistines
The enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They sought to capture and subdue Samson, who had been a significant threat to them.

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

5. The Man
An unnamed individual called by Delilah to shave Samson's hair, symbolizing the breaking of his Nazirite vow and the loss of his God-given strength.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Samson's downfall began with small compromises, leading to a significant breach of his vow. Believers must guard against small compromises in their spiritual lives.

The Power of Influence
Delilah's influence over Samson shows the impact others can have on our spiritual journey. Choose relationships that encourage and strengthen your faith.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Samson's loss of strength was a direct result of breaking his vow. Disobedience to God's commands can lead to spiritual weakness and loss.

God's Sovereignty and Redemption
Despite Samson's failure, God used his life for His purposes. God can redeem our failures for His glory when we turn back to Him.

Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare
Samson's account is a reminder to remain vigilant in our spiritual lives, recognizing that the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.

Bible Study Questions

1. What small compromises in your life could lead to a larger spiritual downfall, similar to Samson's?

2. How can you ensure that your relationships are positively influencing your walk with God?

3. In what ways have you experienced the consequences of disobedience, and how did you see God's hand in redeeming those situations?

4. How does understanding the Nazirite vow deepen your appreciation for the significance of Samson's hair and his strength?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually strong. What practices or habits contributed to that strength, and how can you maintain them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 13-15
These chapters provide the background of Samson's life, his Nazirite vow, and his feats of strength against the Philistines.

Numbers 6
This chapter outlines the Nazirite vow, which includes the prohibition against cutting one's hair, providing context for the significance of Samson's hair.

Proverbs 5
Offers wisdom on the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the deceitfulness of certain relationships, paralleling Samson's relationship with Delilah.

1 Corinthians 10:12
Warns believers to be cautious and not to fall, similar to how Samson, despite his strength, fell due to his vulnerability to Delilah's manipulation.