Judges·Chapter 16

How to Apply

To live out the lesson from this verse, take a moment to reflect on your own relationships. Are there people in your life who you trust with your secrets? Consider if they truly have your best interests at heart. This week, practice setting boundaries where necessary. You might also want to share something light-hearted about yourself instead of something deeply personal. It’s all about being aware of who you’re opening up to, just like Samson should have been. Protect your heart and your strengths!

Chapter Context

This verse is a key turning point in Samson's story. Leading up to this moment, Samson has already been through a lot – facing enemies and struggling with personal flaws. Delilah, who has captured his heart, is now inquiring about his strength, which has always been linked to his hair. The tension is high because you know she has ulterior motives. This question is not just casual chit-chat; it’s the beginning of a dangerous game. What she learns here will lead to betrayal and ultimately change the course of Samson’s life. The stakes are incredibly high, and this moment intensifies the drama of the whole chapter.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• delilah - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• said - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• samson - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• please - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• tell - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• great - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• strength - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• bound - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• could - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• subdue - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What do you think would have happened if Samson had chosen to keep his strength a secret from Delilah? How does this make you feel about the secrets you hold?

Related Verses

• Proverbs 4:23 - This verse reminds us to guard our hearts, as they influence everything we do, just like Samson needed to guard his secret.
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 - This verse talks about how bad company can corrupt good character, echoing the idea that not everyone has your best interests at heart.
• James 1:14 - This verse shows how temptation can lead us astray, similar to how Delilah's questioning tempted Samson to reveal his secret.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Judges 16:6. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Strength and Weakness, Betrayal and Deception, Divine Abandonment, Love and Manipulation, Consequences of Sin, Isolation and Alienation

Key Verses

Judges 16:6, Judges 16:17, Judges 16:20, Judges 16:19, Judges 16:15

Historical Context

Judges is set in a turbulent period of Israel's history, where the nation faced cyclical oppression due to their unfaithfulness to God. Samson is one of the last judges mentioned, tasked with delivering Israel from the Philistines. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of personal weakness and the consequences of abandoning one’s vows to God. The events in this chapter occur after a series of conflicts with the Philistines, who are a constant threat to Israel’s existence and autonomy. This context enriches the narrative of Samson’s downfall, as it highlights the broader implications of individual sin on national identity and security.