Judges 16:8

8 The chiefs of the P'lishtim brought up to her seven fresh bowstrings which had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.

Judges 16:8 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 16:8

Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her
To the chamber where she was with Samson, she having acquainted them with what he had told her:

seven green withs, which had not been dried;
just such as he had described and directed to:

and she bound him with them;
taking an opportunity, very likely, when he was asleep, and drunk too, according to Josephus ^F24: the Philistines did not attempt to bind him, supposing that he would not admit them to do it, if aware of them; and they might fear, if asleep, he might awake before they could do it, and fall upon them and destroy them; but as for Delilah, if she had been found at it, she could have excused it as a piece of curiosity, being willing to try whether he told her truth or not.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F24 Antiqu. l. 5. c. 8. sect. 11.

Judges 16:8 In-Context

6 D'lilah said to Shimshon, "Please tell me what it is that makes you so strong, and how someone could tie you up and subdue you."

7 Shimshon replied, "If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have never been dried, I will become as weak as any other man."

8 The chiefs of the P'lishtim brought up to her seven fresh bowstrings which had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.

9 Now she had people lying in wait in the inside room. So she said to him, "Shimshon! The P'lishtim have come for you!" But he snapped the bowstrings as easily as a piece of straw breaks when it touches fire, and the source of his strength remained unknown.

10 D'lilah said to Shimshon, "You're making fun of me, telling me lies. Now, come on, tell me what it takes to tie you up."