Judges 16:13

And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

And Delilah {H1807} said {H559} unto Samson {H8123}, Hitherto {H2008} thou hast mocked {H2048} me, and told {H1696} me lies {H3577}: tell {H5046} me wherewith thou mightest be bound {H631}. And he said {H559} unto her, If thou weavest {H707} the seven {H7651} locks {H4253} of my head {H7218} with the web {H4545}.

D'lilah said to Shimshon, "Till now you've been making fun of me and telling me lies. Tell me what it takes to tie you up." He said, "If you weave the seven locks of my hair across thread on a loom."

Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me all along! Tell me how you can be tied up.” He told her, “If you weave the seven braids of my head into the web of a loom and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man.”

And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

Commentary

Judges 16:13 continues the intense and deceptive cat-and-mouse game between Samson, the Israelite judge endowed with supernatural strength, and Delilah, his Philistine temptress.

Context

This verse is part of the climactic narrative of Samson and Delilah, found in Judges chapter 16. The Philistine lords had offered Delilah a vast sum of money to discover the secret of Samson's immense strength, hoping to capture and subdue their formidable enemy. This particular exchange marks Delilah's third attempt to extract the truth from Samson, following two previous deceptions where he misled her about his weakness (Judges 16:7 and Judges 16:11). Delilah's frustration is evident in her accusation, "Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies," highlighting her relentless persistence and Samson's continued, yet increasingly dangerous, playful resistance. Samson's response in this verse brings him dangerously close to revealing the true source of his power, tied to his Nazarite vow.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Deception and Temptation: Delilah's unwavering commitment to her deceptive mission underscores the insidious nature of persistent temptation. She uses emotional manipulation ("thou hast mocked me") to wear down Samson's resolve.
  • Compromise and Vulnerability: Samson, despite his incredible physical strength, repeatedly succumbs to the pressure and allure of Delilah. His willingness to play along with her inquiries, even after being betrayed twice, reveals a critical spiritual and emotional vulnerability. This foreshadows the devastating consequences of his compromise.
  • The Symbolism of the Hair: Samson's mention of "the seven locks of my head" is highly significant. While still not the full truth, it is the closest he has come to revealing the secret of his strength, which is tied to his uncut hair as part of his Nazarite vow. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, subtly hinting at the entirety of his consecrated life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seven locks of my head" refers to the distinct braids or plaits of Samson's hair. His hair was not merely long; it was specifically styled into seven locks. This detail was crucial because the cutting of these locks would signify the breaking of his Nazarite vow, which prohibited the use of a razor on his head (Numbers 6:5). The term "web" (Hebrew: massekheth) refers to the warp of a loom, the threads stretched lengthwise through which the weft is woven. Samson's suggestion means his hair would be woven into the fabric on the loom, effectively binding him to the loom itself.

Practical Application

The interaction in Judges 16:13 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It highlights:

  1. The Danger of Persistent Temptation: Even strong individuals can be worn down by relentless pressure and compromise. It's crucial to identify and resist temptations early, rather than playing with them.
  2. Guarding Spiritual Commitments: Samson's strength was tied to his consecration to God. His casualness with Delilah about the symbols of his vow shows a disregard for his divine calling. Believers must diligently guard their spiritual commitments and the sources of their strength in Christ.
  3. Discerning Relationships: Samson's relationship with Delilah was clearly destructive. This narrative reminds us of the importance of choosing relationships wisely, seeking those who build up and encourage spiritual growth, rather than those who seek to undermine it.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.