John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 16:5-31
History of the Judges (Judges 3:5 to Judges 16:31)On this, the main section of the book, see Intro. § 2 and List of Oppressions and Judges. The larger part of the book is concerned with six of the Judges, one of whom is not properly a Judge at all (Abimelech), and in the case of another (Samson) isolated forays are recorded, but no actual deliverance.7-11. Chushan-rishathaim and Othniel.7. The groves] RV ’the asheroth.’ The word (another plural) means the sacred poles set up near an altar,... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 16:1-31
Samson’s Escape from Gaza. Delilah’s Treachery. Samson’s Death1-3. Samson and Gaza.1. Gaza] 2 m. from the coast, and the last town of Palestine on the coast road to Egypt. Here Samson would be a whole day’s journey from his mountain home, in his enemies’ territory.2, 3. They appear not to have surrounded the house, but waited to kill him when he found the gates closed in the morning. He suspects their plan, and does not wait till morning. The two gates would turn on pins, and be made by locks... read more