Bible moment
The Bible moment
Judges 16:4–22 tells how Samson loved Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek. Philistine rulers offered her money to discover the source of his great strength. Samson gave false answers three times, but Delilah continued pressing him. At last, Samson told her that no razor had touched his head because he had been a Nazirite to God from his mother’s womb. He said that if his hair were shaved, his strength would leave him. While Samson slept, Delilah had a man shave his seven locks. The LORD departed from Samson, and the Philistines seized him. They gouged out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Gaza to grind grain in prison. These events show betrayal and the consequences of Samson’s repeated choices. The passage connects his uncut hair with his Nazirite consecration and the LORD’s empowerment; it does not present hair as magic.
Look closely
What children can notice
A subdued interior scene in the valley of Sorek showing Samson asleep while Delilah and the man shaving his seven locks carry out the betrayal. The composition should be non-graphic and focus on secrecy, warning, and consequences rather than hair as magic.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What warnings did Samson ignore?
- Why should we be careful about whom we trust?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this illustration with Judges 16:4–22 when teaching about betrayal, consequences, and dependence on God. Explain the passage gently for older children, keeping blindness and imprisonment non-graphic. Invite children to consider wise choices, trustworthy relationships, and the difference between God’s empowerment and human strength. Do not present Samson’s ending as a model for revenge.
Source note
From this passage
Judges 16:4–22 · Samson
A subdued interior scene in the valley of Sorek showing Samson asleep while Delilah and the man shaving his seven locks carry out the betrayal. The composition should be non-graphic and focus on secrecy, warning, and consequences rather than hair as magic.
