Judges 16:4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 16:4-17

The burnt child dreads the fire; yet Samson, that has more than the strength of a man, in this comes short of the wisdom of a child; for, though he had been more than once brought into the highest degree of mischief and danger by the love of women and lusting after them, yet he would not take warning, but is here again taken in the same snare, and this third time pays for all. Solomon seems to refer especially to this story of Samson when, in his caution against uncleanness, he gives this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 16:4

And it came to pass afterwards, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek ,.... Which, according to Adrichomius F25 Ut supra, (Theatrum Terra Sanct.) p. 24. was but half a mile from the brook Eshcol, from whence the spies brought a bunch of grapes, as a specimen of the fruit of the land of Canaan; and this valley of Sorek seems to have been famous for the best wine, and hither Samson retired for refreshment and pleasure; but, according to Jerom F26 De loc. Heb. fol. 94. L. ,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 16:4

He loved a woman in the valley of Sorek - Some think Samson took this woman for his wife; others, that he had her as a concubine. It appears she was a Philistine; and however strong his love was for her, she seems to have had none for him. He always matched improperly, and he was cursed in all his matches. Where the valley or brook of Sorek was, is not easy to be ascertained. Eusebius and Jerome say it lay southward of Eleutheropolis; but where was Eleutheropolis? Ancient... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 16:4

A village to the north of Eleutheropolis, called Caphar-Sotek, was still existing in the time of Eusebius, near Zorah. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 16:4

Judges 16:4. He loved a woman in the valley of Sorek Through which passed the river of the same name. This place, famous for its vines, was about a mile and a half from Eshcol, whence the spies brought their bunch of grapes. Here Samson met with Delilah, who, whether she was a Jewess or a Philistine, was probably a harlot, and not, as Chrysostom and some others have asserted, a woman of reputation married by Samson; because the dreadful punishment now inflicted upon him for his intercourse... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 16:1-31

Samson’s exploits (14:1-16:31)So dominant were the Philistines in Israel, that the Israelites had decided to live with them peacefully rather than try to rise up in armed rebellion. Samson had other ideas. He thought that his marriage to a Philistine woman would give him the opportunity to do some harm to the enemy (14:1-4).In spite of Samson’s desire to help Israel, he had little respect for either his Nazirite vow or the Israelite law. He handled a dead lion, married a Philistine woman and... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Judges 16:4

SAMSON'S INFATUATION WITH DELILAH"And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek; whose name was Delilah. 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. And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth,... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Judges 16:4

Judges 16:4. In the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah— The valley of Sorek, through which passed the river of the same name, and where, in the times of Eusebius and St. Jerome, stood the village of Cephar-sorek, was situated to the north of Eleutheropolis, near Zorah, the place of Samson's birth. This place, famous for its vines, was about a mile and a half from Eshcol, whence the spies brought their bunch of grapes. Here it was that Samson had the misfortune to become acquainted with... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Judges 16:4

4. he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek—The location of this place is not known, nor can the character of Delilah be clearly ascertained. Her abode, her mercenary character, and her heartless blandishments afford too much reason to believe she was a profligate woman. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 16:1-31

4. Samson’s final fatal victory ch. 16To this point in his history Samson had demonstrated some faith in God, even though "the exploits of Samson read like the actions of an uncontrollable juvenile delinquent." [Note: Cundall and Morris, p. 155.] However, his unwillingness to remain dedicated to God resulted eventually in his loss of strength, his enslavement, and his death. read more