Understanding Judges 16:5 - A Comprehensive Bible Verse Commentary
Judges 16:5 reads: "And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth; and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver."
Interpretation Overview
In this verse, we see the Philistines plotting against Samson, who was known for his tremendous strength. The leaders approach Delilah, seeking to exploit her relationship with him. This can be analyzed in various ways through Bible verse meanings and Bible verse interpretations.
Historical Context
The events of Judges take place during a tumultuous period in Israel's history when the nation was governed by judges. Understanding the historical context of Bible verses offers insights into the motivations of each character involved.
- Philistines: A principal enemy of Israel, the Philistines sought to eliminate Samson's threat.
- Delilah: Her character represents betrayal and the power of temptation.
- Samson: A judge with a divine purpose, yet flawed in personal choices.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry emphasizes the cunning nature of the Philistines and how they sought to use Delilah’s allure to uncover Samson’s secret. This reflects the broader theme of Scripture analysis regarding human weakness and the perils of misplaced trust.
Albert Barnes's Commentary
Albert Barnes notes the specific mention of the "eleven hundred pieces of silver," highlighting the high cost of betraying Samson. It signifies how greed and financial incentive can corrupt relationships and lead to devastating consequences, pertinent to Biblical exegesis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke points to Delilah's manipulation as a reflection of the complexity of human relationships, drawing out lessons on Bible study insights concerning the vulnerability of individuals to temptation and deceit.
Application to Daily Life
The themes present in Judges 16:5 can be applied directly to our daily lives, especially in regards to applying Bible verses to daily life. This verse reminds us of the dangers of compromising our integrity for material gain and the vulnerability that comes from emotional attachments.
Related Bible Cross References
- Judges 16:4 - Samson's relationship with Delilah.
- Judges 16:6 - Delilah's first attempt to uncover Samson's secret.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3 - The theme of being led astray from sincerity toward Christ.
- Proverbs 6:26 - The warning about the power of a harlot's lure.
Conclusion
The study of Judges 16:5 opens up profound questions regarding betrayal, temptation, and the human condition. For those looking for deeper Bible verse explanations and Bible study resources, reflecting on this verse leads to significant spiritual lessons. Engage in Bible study groups or online Bible study communities to delve deeper into similar Bible study topics and enhance your understanding of Scripture.
