John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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 Antiqu. l. 5. c. 8. sect. 11. : the Philistines did not attempt to bind him, supposing that he would not... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 16:7
And Samson said unto her ,.... In answer to her pressing solicitations: if they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried ; the word is sometimes used for nerves, and cords or ropes; but neither of these can be here meant, since these, if moistened or made wet, are the less fit to bind with, and the drier the better; but rods or branches of trees just cut off, such as faggots are bound up with, or green osiers, which are easily bent and twisted, and may bind with; Josephus ... read more