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Judges 16:10

In this verse, we read, *“Then Delilah said to Samson, ‘Behold, you have deceived me and told me lies; now please tell me how you may be bound.’”* (v.10) Delilah, who is believed to be associated with the Philistines around the eleventh century BC, confronts Samson after discovering that his previous answer about being bound was a ruse. This moment occurs during the period of the Judges, a time before Israel had kings (roughly from the 14th to the 11th century BC). Samson, who served as the twelfth judge of Israel in that time frame, had been granted supernatural strength by God (Judges 13). Delilah’s insistence on learning the secret of Samson’s strength indicates her potential alliance or agreement with the Philistine rulers who sought to weaken Israel’s champion.

When Delilah says, *“you have deceived me and told me lies,”* (v.10), it highlights the escalating tension within their relationship. Samson’s game of misleading her underscores not only the fragility of trust between them, but also foreshadows the destructive consequences of deception and manipulation—an often-repeated theme in the Old Testament. Even in the flawed circumstances, Samson continues to exhibit a measure of cunning; however, that cunning is turned to purely personal ends rather than serving Israel’s deliverance. His behavior, in some ways, mirrors the brokenness seen throughout the period when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25 NASB-95).

Despite Delilah’s words—*“now please tell me how you may be bound”* (v.10)—Samson still underestimates the danger. Delilah’s persistence to bind him, spurred on by the Philistine authorities, foreshadows his eventual downfall. The cyclical pattern of sin, entrapment, and divine rescue in the Book of Judges points to a future hope of a Savior who would ultimately break the bonds of sin for all people (Luke 4:18 NASB-95). This verse thus sets the stage for the final test of Samson’s resolve and the unfolding of God’s plan through both his strength and his eventual humility.

Samson’s deception of Delilah underscores a pattern of misplaced trust and the vulnerability that arises when someone called by God toys with temptation.

This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Genesis 16:10-12 meaning. The angel of the Lord promised Hagar she will have numerous descendants. He tells her to name the baby “Ishmael” and that he will, unlike Hagar, be a free and independent man who will bow to no one.
  • Judges 4:4-10 meaning. This passage introduces Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, who calls upon Barak to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s forces. Deborah delivers a divine command to Barak, instructing him to gather ten thousand men and promising victory over Sisera. Barak agrees to go but insists that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but because of Barak’s fear, Deborah predicts that the honor of victory will ultimately go to a woman. Together, Barak and Deborah lead the forces of Zebulun and Naphtali to battle.
  • Deuteronomy 10:16-22 meaning. Moses asks Israel to set apart their heart before God and not rebel. They are to love and execute justice without partiality, including to aliens dwelling among them, for they were alien enough in Egypt. This reflects how God judges. It shows His love for all peoples. Israel should glory in God’s love and care for them.

Judges 16:10