Judges 16:4

ยถ And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name [was] Delilah.

And it came to pass afterward {H310}, that he loved {H157} a woman {H802} in the valley {H5158} of Sorek {H7796}, whose name {H8034} was Delilah {H1807}.

After this, he fell in love with a woman who lived in the Sorek Valley, whose name was D'lilah.

Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

Commentary

Context of Judges 16:4

Judges 16:4 marks a pivotal and tragic turning point in the life of Samson, one of Israel's judges. Prior to this verse, Samson had already demonstrated a pattern of being drawn to Philistine women, starting with his ill-fated marriage in Timnath and a later encounter with a harlot in Gaza (Judges 16:1). Despite his incredible supernatural strength, which derived from his Nazarite vow and was used by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines, Samson consistently struggled with personal discipline and carnal desires.

The "valley of Sorek" was a strategic border region between Israelite and Philistine territories, suggesting Delilah was likely a Philistine or at least sympathetic to them. Her introduction sets the stage for Samson's ultimate downfall, as this relationship would prove to be his most compromising and destructive.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Compromise: This verse highlights Samson's continued pattern of spiritual compromise. Despite his divine calling and miraculous power, he repeatedly put himself in situations that tested and ultimately undermined his dedication to God.
  • The Danger of Misplaced Affection: Samson's "love" for Delilah, described here, was an infatuation that blinded him to the obvious dangers and ultimately led to his betrayal and capture. It underscores the destructive potential of relationships not founded on wisdom or spiritual discernment.
  • Human Weakness: Even a divinely empowered individual like Samson was vulnerable to human weakness and temptation. His physical strength was unmatched, but his moral and spiritual resolve proved to be tragically frail.
  • The Gradual Nature of Sin: Samson's story illustrates how repeated small compromises can lead to greater, more devastating consequences, culminating in his spiritual and physical enslavement.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "loved" in this verse is 'ahav (ืื”ื‘), a general term for affection or strong emotional attachment. While it can denote deep, covenantal love, in Samson's context, it appears to describe a passionate infatuation or desire rather than a love based on mutual respect, shared values, or spiritual compatibility. This distinction is crucial, as his affection for Delilah was rooted in lust and led him directly into danger, contrasting sharply with the kind of love that builds up and protects.

Practical Application

Judges 16:4 offers a timeless warning for all believers. It reminds us of the critical importance of guarding one's heart from destructive desires and exercising spiritual discernment in relationships.

  • Choose Wisely: Our relationships significantly impact our spiritual walk. Choosing partners or close associates who do not share or respect our faith can lead to compromise and spiritual downfall.
  • Beware of Infatuation: Emotions, especially strong romantic feelings, can cloud judgment. It's crucial to seek wisdom and counsel, and to evaluate relationships based on character, spiritual alignment, and long-term consequences, not just fleeting attraction.
  • Vigilance Against Temptation: Even those with great spiritual gifts or callings are not immune to temptation. Samson's story is a powerful reminder that spiritual strength must be coupled with self-control and constant vigilance against the schemes of the enemy.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 10:6

    ยถ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

  • Proverbs 22:14

    ยถ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

  • 1 Kings 11:1

    ยถ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

  • Proverbs 23:27

    For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.

  • Proverbs 26:11

    ยถ As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.

  • Proverbs 27:22

    ยถ Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.

  • Nehemiah 13:26

    Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.