Samson’s Downfall

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Judges
• Chapters: Judges 16
• Summary: Delilah betrays Samson, leading to his capture, blindness, final prayer, and death.

Details

Philistine rulers bribe Delilah to discover Samson’s strength. Samson finally reveals the sign of his Nazirite consecration, is shorn, captured, blinded, and imprisoned. In his final act, he prays for strength and brings down the Philistine temple.

Key People Involved

• Samson — Captured and dies in final judgment
• Delilah — Betrays him

Key Places

• Valley of Sorek — Delilah’s setting

Important Verses

“But he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.” — Judges 16:20

Cross-References

• Related events: Samson’s Exploits
• Mentioned in: Hebrews 11:32

Notes

Samson’s death kills more enemies than his life, but the ending remains tragic, not triumphant in a simple way.