The Philistines took him, &c.— The design of the Philistines in putting out Samson's eyes, was to prevent him from undertaking any future enterprize against them; thus, by the just judgment of God, the concupiscence of the eyes was punished very remarkably in him. But a further punishment was prepared for him; loaden with chains, he was condemned to grind in the prison-house. Before the invention of wind and water-mills, they generally made use of hand-mills, and they condemned to this sordid employment malefactors and slaves, especially such as were disobedient and rebellious. See Exodus 11:5. Grotius on the place, and Herodotus, lib. 4: ch. 2.
REFLECTIONS.—Fully convinced now, from the seriousness of his manner, or the name of God which he had used, that he had discovered to her his whole heart, she summons the lords of the Philistines once more to attend her, who, having been so often disappointed, had returned home in despair; and they, ready to embrace the opportunity, take the money in their hands, and haste away. Behold and pity this unhappy victim, destined now as a sheep to the slaughter. Note; It is just in God to give up those to suffer who give themselves up to sin.
1. When her assistants are ready, this treacherous wretch spreads the soft lap of love, and after "dalliance sweet," the mighty Samson sinks down to rest, and closes those eyes, which, fascinated with beauty's charm, can see no danger in that pleasing pillow. But now the fatal razor approaches: his seven locks fall off; his strength departs; and now the Philistines, at her cry, rush in, and, to his utter confusion, he discovers his irreparable ruin. At first, when he awoke, he thought that he might shake himself as before, and knew not his dire mishap; but God was departed; and therefore resistance was vain. Note; (1.) Indulgence of sensual appetite stupifies the conscience, and rocks the soul asleep in security; but Satan is awake, and insensibly leads us into the pit of ruin. (2.) Many a sinner closes his eyes in peace, which the alarm of death or judgment will open, only to discover his state of everlasting despair. (3.) When God is provoked to depart, though we may think that we can do as at other times, our weakness will appear to our confusion, and we shall sink under our wickedness. (4.) Let every one who reads beware of Samson's sin, lest they bring themselves, like him, into the depths of misery.
2. The Philistines secure him fast. No longer now the terror of the mighty, they drag him down to Gaza in triumph, and, to disable him for ever, put out his eyes, and with fetters of brass chain him to the mill; at once to suffer, to serve them, and stand the derision of every beholder. How art thou fallen, son of the morning! how is the glory departed from Israel! Note; (1.) His punishment corresponds with his sins; those eyes which ensnared his heart are now forever closed in darkness. The sinner's portion will be the outer darkness, where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. (2.) They, who yield their members instruments of iniquity, will find Satan's service base and bitter, when in chains of sin they groan, being burdened. (3.) Former manifestations of God's mercy to sinners, will but aggravate their torment in hell; as the remembrance of the gates of Gaza made the doors of the prison more ignominious and afflictive.