There is some speculation among commentators about whether Delilah is Hebrew or Philistine. Given that her name is of Hebrew origin, and in the context of Samson as a metaphor for Israel, Delilah is most likely a Hebrew woman who has compromised herself to the Philistines. Her origins are Hebrew, but her allegiance is to Philistia. Similarly, Israel’s origins are with God, but its allegiance often lies elsewhere.

Delilah’s nagging and complaining to Samson to reveal the secret of his strength immediately reminds readers of his Philistine wife-to-be nagging him to reveal the answer to the riddle. In both instances, Samson is shown to be weak and easily tempted. Once his hair is cut and his last Nazirite vow is violated (he had previously been in contact with a dead body, eaten unclean food, and taken part in alcoholic drink) it is poetic that he loses his sight. Although it was common in the Ancient Near East to punish captives in such a way, here Samson has lost sight of God, just as Israel (see 15:11) lost sight of its allegiance to God.

A key verse is 15:11 in which the men of Judah, Israelites, assert that “the Philistines are rulers over us.” Judah is apparently content to accept Philistia as its rulers, but Samson is most certainly not. To accept Philistia as rulers is to also acquiesce to their culture and religion. The fact that Samson never actually marries his Philistine bride shows that he is never fully corrupted. His hair grows back, he offers a heartfelt prayer to God, and in the context of an abhorrent ceremony to a false pagan god, this man who lost sight of God rediscovers his dedication to God and his hatred of the oppressive and corrupting Philistines. As such, Samson is remembered as a great hero of the faith despite his obvious flaws.