Judges 16:9 Meaning
Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
Context Explained
7And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.
8Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
9Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
10And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
11And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
1 Samuel 16:14
Both Samson and Saul experience the loss of divine strength due to disobedience.
Hebrews 12:1
The need to shed distractions and sin is echoed in Samson's struggle against betrayal.
Romans 6:16
Being bound by sin leads to loss of freedom, similar to Samson's situation.
Source: Judges 16:9