Delilah

<<seductive betrayer>>

She was a Philistine woman who seduced Samson, the last of the twelve judges of the nation of Israel, prior to Saul being made the first king. She betrayed Samson’s confidence and as a result, he spent the remainder of his life in bondage to the enemy. Clear instructions had been given to the Israelites not to intermarry with any heathen races, but this command was disregarded by the head-strong leader, only proving that God’s directives are violated at personal cost (Ex 34:12,15,16; Deut 7:1-4). This took place about 1070 BC. Her story is told in Judges 16.

Lessons from her life. * Delilah constantly nagged at Samson to reveal the source of the immense strength God had given him; continual harassment often wears a person’s resolve down (Jdg 16:6,10,13,15,16). Persistence ultimately achieved her desired, underhand result. Jesus told a parable about being persistent, “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off?” (Lk 18:1-8). However, we need to recognise the difference between God saying ‘no’, and when persistence in prayer is required.

* She betrayed the man who trusted her for money (Jdg 16:5). Greed ruins many people and we are all vulnerable to temptation – whether it is in the area of money, sex, or pride. Confide and place your confidence and trust only in those who you know have your best interests at heart. Do my friends uplift me or will they destroy my life and witness?