The Moral of the Story

So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. [Judges 16.21]

If I am reading the text of Samson's story correctly, he was never aware the Philistines were in hiding when Delilah cried out, "Samson, the Philistines are coming..."

I have often thought, "How stupid can one be?" thinking that Samson knew the Philistines were in hiding after each instance, but the text does not seem to support that (at least, not in the NLT translation).

It appears Samson and Delilah were 'playing a little game' as far as Samson knew.

Now, as I consider the events described in Judges 16, I cannot help but believe that what we read in this chapter is all taking place in the context of 'intimacy' between Samson and Delilah. Both instances of Samson begin tied up (with the new bowstrings and the new ropes) indicate that Samson was awake and allowed Delilah to tie him up. Only Delilah was aware that the Philistines were in hiding - no doubt secretly watching. I see no indicators that Samson ever knew they were there.

Then, for whatever reason (probably again in 'intimacy'), Samson came dangerously close to revealing his secret when he told Delilah about weaving his hair into the fabric on a loom. But this time, the story reveals that Samson was asleep when Delilah tried it and was awakened when she warned, "The Philistines have come..." Again, though, we are given no reason to believe Samson ever knew the Philistines were secretly lying in wait and watching.

And finally, Delilah 'persuaded' Samson to tell all. She had also persuaded the Philistines to come and hide and watch one more time. She had a man come in and cut Samson's hair while he was asleep in her lap and for the last time...

Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the LORD had left him. [Judges 16.20]

So then, it is clear the hidden Philistines revealed themselves, captured Samson, gouged out his eyes, and the rest is history.

I don't think it is a 'stretch' to conclude that Samson and Delilah's relationship was a sexually charged one. We know Samson liked beautiful women and we know he visited a prostitute. Samson was obviously not in great control of his sexual desires and it is furthermore not likely that Delilah was a 'good church girl.'

The moral of the story is clear. I will leave it at that.

Father, I am reminded of how vulnerable we all are when we allow physical desires to lead us.