Book of Judges - Chapter 16 - Verse 19

In this verse from the book of Judges, we see the story of Samson and Delilah. Delilah, a woman who was asked by the Philistines to discover the secret of Samson's strength, tricks Samson into revealing the source of his power - his long hair. She causes him to fall asleep on her knees, then has a man shave off the seven locks of his head, which were a symbol of his Nazarite vow to God. The shaving off of his hair signifies the breaking of this vow and the loss of his strength. This act of betrayal and deceit ultimately leads to Samson's downfall, as he is captured by the Philistines and his eyes are gouged out. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of giving into temptation and straying from one's spiritual commitments.

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it illustrates the consequences of giving in to temptation and straying from God's commandments. Delilah's actions, symbolized by shaving Samson's seven locks, represent betraying trust and using manipulation to weaken someone. This can be seen as a warning against falling into temptation and the deceitfulness of sin which can ultimately result in the loss of spiritual strength and power. The act of making Samson sleep upon her knees can also symbolize vulnerability and trust being exploited, leading to a downfall.

Additionally, a word study on the phrase "afflict him" can provide further insight into the significance of Delilah's actions. The Hebrew word used here, 'anah', can mean to oppress, depress, or humble. This sheds light on the intentional harm and humiliation Delilah inflicts on Samson, highlighting the destructive nature of manipulation and betrayal. By analyzing the nuances of the word, we can gain a deeper understanding of the severity of Samson's situation and the consequences of his actions.