| FACTS...
Name: Delilah ( meaning "flirtatious") |  |
BACKGROUND...
Delilah is described as the woman who Samson loves. Samson in well known for his incredible strength which comes from his long hair. The authorities of Philistine, the arch enemies of Samson and the Hebrew people, approach Delilah and offer her 1100 pieces of silver to discover the secret to Samson's strength. So, Delilah persued Samson with the intention of finding the truth of his power. Delilah asks Samson three times to reveal his secret. Each time Samson lies to her. He tells her that if she bounds him with seven bowstrings his power will disappear. When this does not work Samson tells Delilah to tie him with new ropes. After this fails, Samson says to weave his hair in a loom. Again Samson lies to Delilah. Delilah nags Samson for the truth until he is sick to death of Delilah's pestering. Samson folds, and tells her the truth of his strength. If she cuts his long hair he will lose his strength. That night as Samson lay sleeping on her lap Delilah shaves Samson's head. As each lock of hair falls on the ground Samson weakens, until all his hair is gone and he has the strength of a normal man. The Philistines come, capture Samson and take him away. Delilah receives her payment of 1100 pieces of silver and than disappears.
IN DELILAH'S OWN WORDS...
Delilah paces the tent, wringing her hands. She moves back and forth, unaware of the sun disappearing behind the horizon as the day draws to a close. The fire's light starts to flicker out as a chill runs through the air. Delilah is oblivious, lost in the sea worries.
"Curse that Samson, if he does not tell me his secret, if the truth is not revealed, I'll lose my money. Think, what is the source of his strength? I'd admit, when the Philistines approached me I though it would be an easy way to get rich quiet quick. Samson is strong, but does not seem to have much intelligence. Definably not a match to me. My beauty and smarts have brought many men to my feet. But curse that Samson, curse him. He has tricked me three times now. I was so stupid for believing him. A new rope, seven bowstrings, weaving hair into a loom. How could I have been so naive. Those are so simple. Samson's strength is more complex, more spiritual. There is something divine about him, as if his strength comes from someone with higher authority. Why can't he just tell me!"
Delilah, filled with annoyance, quickens her pace. Her agitation grows. Her face becomes flushed with anger and teeth become clenched tighter.
Throwing her arms up in frustration, she hisses, "He will tell he the truth, as god as my witness I will see him destroyed. But how? How can I get the truth out of him? How?!"
Delilah lifts up her head, her radiant smile illuminating the tent. She clasps her hands together at her chest.
"I've got it!", she shouts. "I will not give up. It is that simple. I will nag him, I will pester him. I will bug him until he is unable to stand it. Till he is sick to death of me asking him for the truth. He'll break. I'll break him. Ha, Ha. I will win and I will get my money."
There is a rustle outside the tent. Delilah smiles coyly.
"Oh Samson, Dear..."
written by: Danielle Van Kampen