A Scriptural Consideration Entry

The flickering oil lamps cast long shadows across Delilah’s home, but the most dangerous shadow of all was the one Samson could not see. It curled quietly behind her smile, behind each gentle touch, behind every word that chipped away at his resolve. Time and again, she pressed him, saying, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me?” (Judg. 16:15) And at last, weary and worn down, he yielded—he opened his heart.

But not to Jehovah.

Samson’s life was a record of contrasts: chosen from birth, yet drawn to Philistine women; filled with spirit-given strength, yet prone to human weakness. When he finally revealed his secret—that his Nazirite vow was the source of his strength—it wasn’t just his hair that was cut. His bond with Jehovah was severed. “Jehovah had departed from him,” the account says, and with that, his strength vanished (Judg. 16:20).

The consequences were swift and brutal. Bound in bronze shackles, blinded, and forced to grind grain like a beast, the mighty judge became a spectacle—a fallen symbol paraded by the Philistines in mockery. (Judg. 16:21-25) How tragic that Samson, once a deliverer of Israel, now stood in chains, offering laughter to enemies of his God.

We, too, are living under pressure—sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming—to open our hearts to people, ideas, or habits that pull us from Jehovah. Like Delilah, these influences may seem persistent but harmless at first. Yet if we do not guard our spiritual identity, we risk surrendering what is sacred for what is fleeting.

We may not wear Nazirite locks, but we bear a sacred dedication. Trusting in human affection or approval more than in Jehovah can lead to spiritual blindness—gradual, but devastating. (Prov. 29:25; Jer. 17:5-7) Still, Samson’s story was not without redemption. In the darkness of his imprisonment, he turned his heart back to Jehovah. And Jehovah listened. (Judg. 16:28)

Have you ever felt like your spiritual strength has ebbed—like you’ve drifted or made a decision that dimmed your closeness to Jehovah? It’s not too late. Even in the ruins, even in shame, even in weakness—Jehovah hears the sincere cry of his servant. Samson’s final act was not one of disgrace, but of faith restored. Jehovah had not abandoned him. He never abandons those who truly return to Him.

He finally opened his heart… but let ours be opened to Jehovah first, last, and always.

Watchtower, September 2023, pp. 5-6 ¶13-14

You May Also Enjoy These Scriptural Considerations:

• Faith Under Pressure – Quiet Courage and Godly Fear

• The Protective Power of Godly Fear

• Jehovah’s Standards Are Clear — and He Will Judge

• “Trembling at Men is a Snare” — A Story of Shadows and Courage

• “Be Reasonable, Displaying All Mildness Toward All Men.” —Titus 3:2