Originally posted 6/25/24
Delilah is a woman from the Bible that we all know as a “bad girl”. The full story is written in Judges 16. The story begins in verse 1, “Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in unto her.” Whenever the term “went into her”, it signifies that the woman did not have a choice. Samson used his power as king to get what he wanted. He saw her, he wanted her, and he took her. That pattern of sin is seen throughout Scripture. However, we learn in verse 4 that Samson loved Delilah, “And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name [was] Delilah.”
Samson was known for his great strength. Many wanted to eliminate Samson’s strength. Others used Delilah to figure out the source of Samson’s great strength. Delilah was offered money to disclose his source of strength. In verse 5, “And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.” For whatever reason, Delilah was tempted by the money that the Philistines offered. Would she not have everything she already wanted as Samson’s wife? Delilah is no different than we are today. We see something and we want it. Once we want it we take it. The pattern of sin is born.
Delilah asked Samson where his power came from. It seems as though Samson thought it was a game because he gave her false answers. Finally, in Judges 16:16-21, we see that Samson gives in to her. “And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death. And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up again, for he has told me all his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands. She made him sleep on her knees. And she called a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles. And he ground at the mill in the prison.”
Have you ever wondered if the money brought Delilah comfort? Are we tempted to take the easy way out instead of persevering? What was Samson thinking? Delilah clearly was trying to take advantage of Samson Was he so in love that he didn’t see it? Do we look for what the world can give us instead of the good gifts God gives us?
The story ends with Samson being called up to entertain the Philistines. His hair has grown back along with his strength. He pushes on the pillars of the room. Everything comes crashing down and Samson is killed among the Philistines. Samson’s death included. The end is recorded in Judges: 28-30, “Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.”
Both of these characters had character flaws. Samson let his desires get the best of him. He lacked the stamina to resist Delilah. Delilah also let her desire for money cloud her judgment.
I think there are lessons in this story for all of us. We need to remember that we do have the power to resist the temptations that we encounter. We all battle selfish desires of some sort. James 4:7 reminds us to, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
We have all the power that we need. However, we often sin quickly without pausing to engage our brains. May we all seek the Lord first and resist temptations that come our way each and every day.
#faith, #Bible, #Scriptures, #Christian Women, #Discipleship, #womenintheBible, #Delilah