CHARACTER STUDY OF DELILAH – BETRAYED SAMSON TO THE PHILISTINES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:. Judges 16:19
"And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him." –
Supporting Texts:
Judges 16:4-21, Proverbs 5:3-5, Proverbs 7:21-27, 1 Timothy 6:10, 2 Corinthians 6:14, John 10:10
INTRODUCTION:
Delilah is one of the most infamous women in the Bible. She was a Philistine woman who played a crucial role in the downfall of Samson, Israel’s judge and warrior. Through manipulation and betrayal, she deceived Samson into revealing the secret of his strength, leading to his capture by the Philistines.
Her story is a warning about the dangers of ungodly relationships, the consequences of greed, and how the enemy can use people to derail divine destinies.
1. DELILAH’S RELATIONSHIP WITH SAMSON
Delilah was a woman Samson loved, but she had her own agenda.
a) Samson fell in love with Delilah (Judges 16:4)
Despite his past failures with Philistine women, Samson still pursued another foreign woman.
b) She was approached by the Philistine rulers to betray Samson (Judges 16:5)
They offered her silver to find the source of his strength.
c) She repeatedly asked Samson about his secret (Judges 16:6-15)
She used persistence and emotional pressure to get what she wanted.
d) She manipulated Samson with false love and accusations (Judges 16:15)
She accused him of not loving her when he refused to tell his secret.
e) Biblical Example: Jezebel also used manipulation to influence Ahab and bring destruction (1 Kings 21:5-16)
2. DELILAH’S BETRAYAL OF SAMSON
Delilah’s actions show how deception and greed lead to destruction.
a) She persisted until Samson revealed his secret (Judges 16:16-17)
She wore him down with constant pressure.
b) She immediately informed the Philistines (Judges 16:18)
She had no real love for Samson but was loyal to his enemies.
c) She arranged for Samson’s head to be shaved (Judges 16:19)
This broke his Nazirite vow and removed his divine strength.
d) She handed him over to the Philistines, leading to his capture (Judges 16:20-21)
Samson lost his strength, was blinded, and imprisoned.
e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot also betrayed Jesus for silver (Matthew 26:14-16)
3. THE MOTIVATION BEHIND DELILAH’S ACTIONS
Delilah’s betrayal was driven by personal gain and selfish desires.
a) She was controlled by the love of money (Judges 16:5)
She valued wealth over loyalty and love.
b) She had no regard for Samson’s divine calling (Judges 16:6)
She did not care that he was God’s chosen deliverer.
c) She was an agent of the enemy’s agenda (Judges 16:18)
The Philistines used her as a tool to destroy Samson.
d) She lacked true love or commitment (Judges 16:19)
Her actions proved she never truly cared for Samson.
e) Biblical Example: Balaam also compromised his calling for material gain (Numbers 22:7, 2 Peter 2:15)
4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF DELILAH’S BETRAYAL
Though the Bible does not record Delilah’s fate, betrayal always has consequences.
a) Samson was captured, blinded, and humiliated (Judges 16:21)
His downfall was a direct result of her actions.
b) The Philistines celebrated their victory over Samson (Judges 16:23-24)
Delilah’s betrayal led to temporary rejoicing for the enemy.
c) God ultimately avenged Samson (Judges 16:30)
Samson destroyed the Philistine temple in his final act.
d) Betrayal often leads to destruction of the betrayer (Proverbs 26:27)
Those who deceive others often face judgment.
e) Biblical Example: Judas hanged himself after betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:5)
5. SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM DELILAH’S STORY
Delilah’s life teaches several important lessons.
a) Ungodly relationships can destroy divine destinies (2 Corinthians 6:14)
b) The love of money is dangerous (1 Timothy 6:10)
c) The enemy often uses people close to us for attacks (Micah 7:5)
d) Deception and manipulation are tools of the devil (John 10:10)
e) God can still bring redemption after betrayal (Judges 16:28-30)
6. WEAKNESSES OF DELILAH
Delilah displayed several negative traits.
a) She was greedy and motivated by money (Judges 16:5)
b) She was manipulative and deceitful (Judges 16:15-17)
c) She lacked genuine love and loyalty (Judges 16:18)
d) She aligned with the enemies of God’s people (Judges 16:19)
e) She played a direct role in Samson’s downfall (Judges 16:20-21)
7. DANGERS OF BEING LIKE DELILAH
Delilah’s actions serve as a warning against destructive behaviour.
a) Betrayal can destroy relationships and trust (Proverbs 11:13)
b) Greed leads to sin and judgment (Proverbs 15:27)
c) Manipulation can harm others and backfire (Proverbs 6:16-19)
d) Associating with evil can bring negative consequences (Psalm 1:1)
e) A life without God ends in destruction (Matthew 7:21-23)
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM DELILAH
Despite her negative example, we can learn valuable lessons.
a) True love is not selfish or deceitful (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
b) We must guard our hearts against ungodly influences (Proverbs 4:23)
c) We should be careful of people who pressure us into compromise (Proverbs 1:10)
d) Money should never take priority over righteousness (Matthew 6:24)
e) God’s plans will always prevail, despite human betrayal (Job 42:2)
CONCLUSION:
Delilah is remembered as a symbol of betrayal, manipulation, and misplaced priorities. She used her influence over Samson for personal gain, leading to his downfall. However, her story serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of greed, ungodly relationships, and allowing the enemy to use us for his agenda.
We must be careful of the Delilah spirit in our lives—anything that seeks to weaken our spiritual strength and turn us away from God’s purpose. Instead, we should seek relationships that honour God and build our faith.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from ungodly relationships.
2. Father, remove every Delilah spirit from my life.
3. Give me wisdom to discern betrayal and deception.
4. Help me to be faithful and trustworthy in all things.
5. Protect me from the traps of the enemy.
