Judges 16:10

And Delilah said vnto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told mee lies: now tell mee, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. Judges 16:10 (KJV)

The book of Judges records a tumultuous period in Israel’s history when the people repeatedly fell into idolatry and suffered oppression from neighboring nations. Judges 16 focuses on the story of Samson, a judge whom God raised up to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

In this verse we are introduced to Delilah, a woman from the Valley of Sorek. The Philistine lords approach her, offering silver, and bribe her to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, making her a pivotal figure in the narrative.

Delilah pleads with Samson, asking him to tell her the true source of his strength and how he might be bound, so that she can relay the information to the Philistine lords and aid their attempt to capture him.

In the following verses Samson gives Delilah three false explanations for the source of his strength. Each time she uses the suggested method to bind him, he breaks free on the first two attempts. On the third attempt he is finally bound and handed over to the Philistines, after which he reveals the true secret of his Nazirite vow.

The passage teaches several lessons. First, it warns of the consequences of deception and manipulation; Samson’s falsehoods sow mistrust and lead to dire outcomes. Second, it highlights the power of temptation, urging believers to be cautious and discerning when faced with persistent pressure to compromise their convictions. Third, it illustrates the devastating results of compromising one’s values, as Samson’s failure to resist Delilah’s persistence leads to his downfall.

Overall, the narrative underscores the conflict between Samson’s divine calling as a Nazirite and his personal weaknesses, especially his vulnerability to seductive women. It demonstrates the serious repercussions of disobedience, compromise, and the misuse of God‑given gifts.