Shofetim 16:8

8 Then the rulers of the Pelishtim brought up to her shivah fresh bowstrings which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

Shofetim 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Shofetim 16:8 In-Context

6 And Delilah said to Shimshon, Tell me, now, wherein thy koach gadol lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to subdue thee.

7 And Shimshon said unto her, If they bind me with shivah fresh bowstrings that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as any adam.

8 Then the rulers of the Pelishtim brought up to her shivah fresh bowstrings which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the cheder. And she said unto him, The Pelishtim be upon thee, Shimshon. And he broke the bowstrings, as a piece of thread is broken when it toucheth the eish. So his ko’ach was not known.

10 And Delilah said unto Shimshon, Hinei, thou hast mocked me, and told me kezavim (lies); tell me, now, wherewith thou mightest be bound.