Judges 16:1

ยถ Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.

Then went {H3212} Samson {H8123} to Gaza {H5804}, and saw {H7200} there an harlot {H802}{H2181}, and went in {H935} unto her.

Shimshon went to 'Azah, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her.

One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her.

And Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in unto her.

Commentary

Context and Background

The book of Judges chronicles a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, and deliverance through divinely appointed "judges." Samson, introduced in Judges chapter 13, is one of the most enigmatic figures. He was consecrated as a Nazarite from birth, set apart for God's special purpose, specifically to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). This verse marks a significant moral decline for Samson. He travels to Gaza, one of the five major Philistine cities and a formidable stronghold of Israel's long-standing enemies. His presence there, particularly his encounter with a harlot, highlights a recurring pattern of moral compromise that stands in stark contrast to his divine calling and immense physical strength.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Moral Compromise and Spiritual Blindness: Samson's decision to enter a harlot's house in enemy territory demonstrates a profound lack of self-control and disregard for his Nazarite consecration. Despite his supernatural strength, his spiritual and moral weaknesses are consistently exposed, foreshadowing his eventual downfall.
  • Consequences of Sin: This act of immorality in Gaza sets the stage for the Philistines' attempt to capture him in the following verses. It serves as a vivid reminder that sinful choices, even those seemingly private, often lead to public consequences and can undermine one's divine purpose. The principle that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7) is powerfully illustrated through Samson's life.
  • Divine Purpose Amidst Human Flaw: Even in Samson's repeated failings, God's overarching plan for Israel's deliverance continues to unfold, though often through Samson's personal suffering and the consequences of his sin. This illustrates God's ability to work through imperfect vessels, even while not condoning their sin.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "harlot" translates the Hebrew word zonah (ื–ึนื ึธื”), which specifically refers to a prostitute. The phrase "went in unto her" is a common biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual relations. This blunt description immediately establishes the nature of Samson's moral transgression.

Practical Application

Judges 16:1 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of spiritual complacency and moral compromise, especially for those who are called to serve God.

  • Guard Your Heart: Samson's story underscores the importance of diligently guarding one's heart and mind against temptations (Proverbs 4:23), particularly in areas of known weakness.
  • Accountability and Self-Control: Even extraordinary gifts or divine calling do not exempt individuals from the need for self-control and accountability. Samson's physical strength was unparalleled, yet his lack of moral strength proved to be his undoing.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The narrative highlights that disobedience, even when seemingly personal, can have far-reaching and painful consequences, impacting not only the individual but also their testimony and effectiveness in God's service.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:47 (4 votes)

    Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border [thereof]:

  • Ezra 9:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

  • Ezra 9:2 (2 votes)

    For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of [those] lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

  • Genesis 38:16 (2 votes)

    And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she [was] his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?

  • Genesis 38:18 (2 votes)

    And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that [is] in thine hand. And he gave [it] her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.

  • Genesis 10:19 (2 votes)

    And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.