ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Judges 16

Judg 16:1 prostitute. Hebrew has two words for prostitutes. One refers to prostitutes associated with pagan worship (Gen. 38:21–22; Deut. 23:17; 1 Kings 14:24). The other (used here) signifies prostitution with no such religious connection (compare Gen. 38:15).

Judg 16:2–3 at the gate. Gates from the Early Iron Age were elaborate complexes, at least two stories high, with guardrooms on each side of a narrow opening. The two posts were set deep in the ground to support the doors.

Judg 16:4–5 Delilah was the third Philistine woman with whom Samson had a relationship (see 14:1; 16:1).

Judg 16:7–9 In the first test of Samson’s strength, the seven fresh bowstrings, made of animal gut, were weaker than dried and aged strings.

Judg 16:11 new ropes. In the second test, Samson toyed with the Philistines, suggesting that they use the same bonds that the men of Judah had previously found to be worthless (see 15:13).

Judg 16:13–14 Made them tight with the pin translates the same Hebrew phrase that was used when Jael drove a tent peg into Sisera’s head (4:21). The exact situation here is unclear, but Samson obviously had no trouble escaping once more.

Judg 16:16 she pressed him. Delilah did precisely what Samson’s wife had done earlier (14:17). Samson’s weak character shows through again. He did not learn from his previous mistake, but revealed the information in both cases.

Judg 16:18 told her all his heart. Delilah knew that Samson was finally telling the truth.

Judg 16:20–21 the Lord had left him. Samson broke the final Nazirite stipulation when his hair was cut. The power the Lord had given him was now gone (see note on 14:6) and he was captured.

Judg 16:22 the hair of his head began to grow again. There was no magical power in Samson’s hair, for his strength came only from the Lord (14:6; 19; 15:14; 16:20). But the growth of his hair indicates that God was renewing his previous power (compare vv. 17, 19–20). Samson may also have begun to renew his faith (see v. 28).

Judg 16:28–30 Samson demonstrated faith by calling upon God and believing that God would help him (see Heb. 11:32–34). However, Samson seems to have desired God’s help more for personal revenge than for the protection of God’s people. two middle pillars. A Philistine temple discovered from the period of the judges had two central pillars to support the roof of the entire structure. Canaanite and Israelite temples did not use that design.

Judg 16:31 The main body of the book of Judges now ends. Despite the generally ungodly character of the judges themselves, God had worked to deliver Israel and to protect his own name and reputation.