Some time laterThis phrase indicates a passage of time since the previous events in Samson's life. It suggests a transition from his earlier exploits and victories over the Philistines. The narrative moves forward, setting the stage for a new chapter in Samson's life, which will ultimately lead to his downfall. This time lapse also allows for the development of new circumstances and relationships.
Samson fell in love
Samson's attraction to women, particularly Philistine women, is a recurring theme in his story. His relationships often lead to personal and national conflict. This phrase highlights Samson's vulnerability to romantic entanglements, which contrasts with his physical strength. His love for Delilah becomes a pivotal point in his narrative, demonstrating how personal weaknesses can have significant consequences.
with a woman in the Valley of Sorek
The Valley of Sorek is a geographical location that lies between the territories of the Israelites and the Philistines. It is a fertile area known for its vineyards, which is significant given Samson's Nazirite vow to abstain from wine. The valley's location symbolizes the borderland between two cultures and foreshadows the conflict between Samson's divine calling and his personal desires.
whose name was Delilah
Delilah's name is of uncertain origin, but it may be related to a Hebrew word meaning "to weaken" or "to impoverish," which is fitting given her role in Samson's life. Delilah is not identified by her nationality, but her association with the Philistines is clear. Her relationship with Samson becomes a tool for the Philistines to exploit his weaknesses. Delilah's actions can be seen as a type of betrayal, paralleling other biblical narratives where trust is broken for personal gain.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SamsonA judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. His life is marked by a series of personal failures and victories over the Philistines.
2.
DelilahA woman from the Valley of Sorek who becomes the object of Samson's affection. Her role is pivotal in the account of Samson's downfall.
3.
Valley of SorekA geographical location that is significant as the setting for the events involving Samson and Delilah. It is a fertile valley, which may symbolize both physical and spiritual temptation.
4.
PhilistinesThe primary antagonists in the account of Samson. They are a constant threat to Israel during this period and seek to exploit Samson's weaknesses.
5.
Love and BetrayalThe central theme of this passage, highlighting the tension between Samson's love for Delilah and her eventual betrayal.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Unequally Yoked RelationshipsSamson's relationship with Delilah serves as a cautionary tale about forming intimate bonds with those who do not share the same faith and values.
The Consequences of Ignoring God's WarningsSamson repeatedly ignored signs and warnings from God, leading to his downfall. This teaches the importance of heeding divine guidance.
The Subtlety of TemptationThe Valley of Sorek represents a place of temptation. Believers must be aware of environments and situations that can lead them away from God's will.
The Power of God's GraceDespite Samson's failures, God's grace is evident throughout his life. This reminds us that God's grace is available to us, even when we fall short.
The Importance of Spiritual VigilanceSamson's account underscores the need for constant spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's strength to overcome personal weaknesses.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 16:4?
2.How does Samson's love for Delilah in Judges 16:4 challenge his faithfulness?
3.What can we learn about temptation from Samson's relationship with Delilah?
4.How does Judges 16:4 relate to Proverbs 7:21-23 on seduction?
5.In what ways can we guard our hearts against similar distractions today?
6.How can we seek God's wisdom in relationships, as seen in Judges 16:4?
7.Why did Samson fall in love with Delilah despite her Philistine background in Judges 16:4?
8.How does Judges 16:4 reflect on the dangers of personal desires conflicting with divine purpose?
9.What does Samson's relationship with Delilah reveal about human weakness in Judges 16:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 16?
11.What defines the Delilah spirit?
12.In Judges 16:4–20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him?
13.What defines the Delilah spirit?
14.Who was Delilah in the Bible?What Does Judges 16:4 Mean
Some time later- The phrase signals a real lapse of time after Samson’s earlier exploits, placing this verse squarely in the historical flow that began inJudges 13 and continued through his victories inJudges 14–15 (cf.Judges 15:20).
- Scripture is reminding us that God’s purposes were still advancing despite Samson’s earlier missteps (Romans 8:28).
- The Philistine threat had not gone away (1 Samuel 7:13), and Samson remained Israel’s judge, so every detail that follows carries covenant significance.
Samson fell in love-Judges 16:4 states, “Samson fell in love,” highlighting his recurring weakness for romantic entanglements outside Israel (seeJudges 14:1–3).
- While love is God-given (Song of Songs 8:6), Samson’s pattern shows an undisciplined heart that ignores wisdom (Proverbs 4:23) and disregards his Nazarite calling (Judges 13:5).
- This tendency foreshadows the warning of1 John 2:16 about desires that can lure a person away from obedience.
with a woman in the Valley of Sorek- The Valley of Sorek bordered Philistine territory; entering it put Samson in enemy culture (Joshua 15:11).
- Sorek was famed for vineyards—an ironic setting for a Nazarite who was to avoid grape products (Numbers 6:3).
- Stepping into compromise-filled places often precedes deeper compromise (Psalm 1:1;1 Corinthians 15:33).
whose name was Delilah- Introducing Delilah personalizes the coming conflict; like the enemies that followed, she would test Samson’s devotion to God (Judges 16:5–6).
- Her cooperation with Philistine rulers recalls other betrayals in Scripture (Luke 22:3–6;Proverbs 7:21-23).
- Samson’s attraction to Delilah set the stage for spiritual and national consequences, underscoring that private choices can carry public weight (Galatians 6:7).
summaryJudges 16:4 marks a pivotal moment: after some time of apparent peace, Israel’s judge again follows his impulses, entering a fertile but spiritually risky valley and binding his heart to Delilah. The verse warns that delayed obedience is still disobedience, that proximity to temptation matters, and that unchecked affections can undermine even the strongest calling.
(4)
He loved a woman.--Delilah was not, as Milton represents, his wife. Josephus (
Antt. v. 8, ? 11) says that she was one who played the harlot among the Philistines, and the fathers all speak of her in similar terms. Nor is it at all clear--as is generally assumed--that she was a Philistine.
In the valley of Sorek.--The English Version here follows the Vulgate, but the word for valley isnachal,and the words may mean (as the LXX. take them) "on the brook of Sorek." Sorek was not in the Philistine district, but was near Samson's native town of Zorah (Judges 13:2). It seems to have derived its name from the "choice vines" that grew there (Genesis 49:11;Isaiah 5:2;Jeremiah 2:21,Hebr.).
Delilah.--The "tender" or "delicate." Ewald thinks it means "the traitress," referring toJourn. Asiat.,2:389. The Rabbis refer it to the rootdaldal, "to debilitate."
Verse 4. -
Sorek. See
Judges 14:5, note. The name has not yet been discovered as applied to any existing spot; but Eusebius in the 'Onomasticon' speaks of a village
Caphar-sorek as still existing near Zorah. The term
valley (
nachal) describes a
wady,
i.e. a narrow valley with a stream.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Some time later,אַחֲרֵי־(’a·ḥă·rê-)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following part[Samson] fell in love withוַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב(way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 157:To have affection fa womanאִשָּׁ֖ה(’iš·šāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalein the Valleyבְּנַ֣חַל(bə·na·ḥal)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158:A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaftof Sorek,שֹׂרֵ֑ק(śō·rêq)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7796:choice vines', a valley where Delilah livedwhose nameוּשְׁמָ֖הּ(ū·šə·māh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8034:A namewas Delilah.דְּלִילָֽה׃(də·lî·lāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1807:Delilah -- Philistine mistress of Samson
Links
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OT History: Judges 16:4 It came to pass afterward that he (Jd Judg. Jdg)