Surely you’ve heard the quote by Maya Angelo, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Well, Delilah showed Samson who she was at least three times before inflicting the final blow.
If you recall the story, Samson was a man who demonstrated enormous strength—granted as promised to his parents by God. The one criterion was that his hair should never be cut.
Bewildered, the Philistine army bribed Delilah by offering to pay large sums of money if she could find out where his strength came from, so that they could capture him.
Wicked devices and seductive charm was no match for a man who was crazy in love. Like a woman on a mission, Delilah jumped into action. Like a dog after a bone, she set her plan in motion.
On the other hand, how many red flags do you need to see before realizing a person is exactly who they say they are?
Red Flag #1: Judges 16:6 So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me where your great strength lies, and with what you may be bound to afflict you.”
Red Flag #2: Judges 16:10 Then Delilah said to Samson, “Look, you have mocked me and told me lies. Now, please tell me what you may be bound with.”
Red Flag #3: Judges 16:13 Delilah said to Samson,“Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me what you may be bound with.”
The Final Blow: Judges 15:15 Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You hyve mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies.
Love-sick Samson gave in telling her all his heart and the secret—his strength was in his hair. As he slept on Delilah's lap she cut his hair. Weakened, he couldn't defend himself from the Philistine guards waiting to capture him and put him into prison.
Her Life is My Example
Delilah was wicked. She didn't love Samson. For her, the relationship was based on what she could gain at Samson's demise. Like a sheep going to slaugher, her alluring devices lulled him to a pityful end.
Wake up and smell the coffee!
Pay attention to the red flags. Everyone who smiles in your face doesn’t have your best interest in mind. And just in case YOU are a Delilah—get your life right, repent, ask forgiveness, leave people alone, and go sit down somewhere.