Judges 16:1

*Judges 16:1 (NASB-95) reads:* *Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her* (v.1).

In this brief but significant introduction, *Samson*—who is one of the last judges in Israel before the transition to a monarchy under Saul (circa late 11th century BC)—travels to *Gaza*. Gaza was a prominent Philistine city located near the Mediterranean coast in what is now the southwestern area of modern-day Israel. It was an important economic and military center, and as one of the five major Philistine cities, it often served as a strategic stronghold. It stood somewhat distant from Samson’s hometown of Zorah, highlighting Samson’s purposeful departure from Israelite territory into a Philistine region—which again underscores his repeated tendency to venture into the land of Israel’s enemies.

*The text states: “Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her” (v.1)*. In ancient Israel, going to a prostitute was viewed as immoral even though the Philistines—at times—treated such acts as more commonplace. Here, Samson’s action reflects his ongoing struggles with self-discipline. Despite being given a special calling by God from birth (Judges 13) and acting as a judge to help deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, Samson often compromised his consecrated status. This situation sets the stage for God’s providential work even through Samson’s moral failings. As is evident elsewhere in Judges, the Lord’s strength displays itself through flawed human instruments who turn to selfish or reckless behavior, but are yet used to accomplish divine purposes (Romans 8:28).

Following this scene, the narrative will move toward the Philistines’ plan to ambush Samson. This mirrors a cycle of confrontation in which Samson repeatedly appears to place himself in precarious situations among the Philistines, prompting their attempts to capture him (Judges 15). Nonetheless, God continues to empower him until the appointed time—when Samson's vulnerabilities finally lead to his downfall (Judges 16:18-21).

Samson’s visit to *Gaza* to see a prostitute introduces a moral and thematic tension that highlights Samson’s inconsistent obedience and foreshadows the escalation of conflict that will culminate in his tragic end.

This passage stands as a reminder that God’s people are tempted to stray from their distinct calling, and yet God can move His plan forward despite human frailty. Ultimately, Jesus—God’s perfect deliverer—would come in the New Testament era (Galatians 4:4-5) to do what human judges and kings could not: save humankind completely from the power of sin.

This verse in summary: Samson’s choice to consort with a harlot in Gaza revealed his spiritual rashness and foreshadowed the downfall that would come from his repeated proximity to the Philistines.

He put himself in harm’s way.