Topical Bible: Women: Delilah, in Her Conspiracy Against Samson

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Delilah is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 16. She is best known for her role in the downfall of Samson, one of the last judges of Israel, whose extraordinary strength was legendary. Delilah's account is often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and betrayal.

Background and Context

Delilah lived in the Valley of Sorek, a region that bordered the Philistine territory. The Philistines were a constant threat to the Israelites during the time of the judges, and Samson was raised up by God to deliver Israel from their oppression. Samson's strength was unparalleled, and it was a direct result of his Nazirite vow, which included abstaining from cutting his hair.

The Conspiracy

The Philistine rulers, desperate to subdue Samson, saw an opportunity in Delilah, with whom Samson had fallen in love. They approached her with a proposition: "Entice him, and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver" (Judges 16:5). This substantial bribe was enough to persuade Delilah to betray Samson.

Delilah's Deception

Delilah's approach to discovering Samson's secret was methodical and persistent. She asked Samson directly about the source of his strength, and he initially misled her with false answers. Each time, Delilah would test his claim, only to find that Samson's strength remained intact. Her persistence is evident in Judges 16:15-16 : "Then she said to him, 'How can you say, "I love you," when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times and have not told me the source of your great strength.' Because she tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death."

Eventually, Samson succumbed to Delilah's relentless questioning and 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 Betrayal and Capture of Samson

Upon learning the true source of Samson's strength, Delilah informed the Philistine rulers. She lulled Samson to sleep on her lap and called for a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. With his hair gone, so was his strength. The Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in prison (Judges 16:19-21).

Legacy and Interpretation

Delilah's actions have been interpreted as a profound betrayal, not only of Samson but also of the trust and love he placed in her. Her account serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive potential of deceit and the vulnerability that comes with misplaced trust. Delilah's role in the biblical narrative highlights the complexities of human relationships and the moral challenges faced by individuals in positions of influence and power. Her account is often used to illustrate the consequences of succumbing to temptation and the importance of remaining faithful to one's commitments and vows.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 16:4-20
And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.". ... tribes which had thrown in their
lot with her. ... mountain that is before Hebron." By Delilah's treachery he ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm