Book of Judges - Chapter 16 - Verse 9

The verse "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." from the Book of Judges in the Bible recounts a significant event in the life of Samson, a legendary figure known for his extraordinary strength. In this particular verse, Samson is deceived by Delilah, a woman who had been hired by the Philistines to discover the source of his strength. As Samson lies in her chamber, waiting to be attacked by the Philistines, Delilah warns him of their presence. In a remarkable display of his power, Samson breaks free from the bindings (withs) that had been used to restrain him, like a thread of tow (flax) is easily broken when it comes into contact with fire. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of betrayal and deception, as well as the unstoppable strength of Samson when provoked.

One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the concept of deception and betrayal. Delilah, who is portrayed as a deceptive character in the Bible, lures Samson into revealing the source of his strength. The men lying in wait to capture Samson symbolize the betrayal and deceit that can exist in human relationships. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of being vulnerable to manipulation and betrayal.

Additionally, the imagery used in this verse is significant in understanding the power dynamics at play. The comparison of Samson breaking the withs to a thread of tow being broken when it touches fire highlights the immense strength and power that Samson possessed. The symbolism of fire further emphasizes the destructive nature of Samson's strength when unleashed.

Word studies of key terms in this verse, such as "withs" and "tow," provide further insights into the context and meaning of the passage. Understanding the cultural significance of these terms can deepen our appreciation of the narrative and its theological implications. Overall, this verse showcases the themes of betrayal, deception, and the devastating consequences of misusing one's strength.