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Writer's pictureDr. Dilday

Judges 16:22: The Return of Samson's Nazarite Locks

Verse 22:[1] Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven (or, as when he was shaven[2]).



[His hairs began to spring up again, לְצַמֵּ֖חַ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר גֻּלָּֽח׃] To spring up again as he had been shaven; that is, as it was when he was shaven (Vatablus). As when he was scraped; that is, unto its former length (Junius). Others: after he was shaven, or shorn (Syriac, Munster, Pagnine). Thus it was appointed once more for the recovery of the gift of his strength, with repentance and prayer added, as is indicated by the following things in verse 28, and by Hebrews 11:32, where he is reckoned among the saints, and is commended for his faith (Bonfrerius, Lapide). Hence they gather that he was not for a long time held captive; for hair cut short begins to regrow immediately (Lapide). He was in prison perhaps for three or four months; for his hair was not able to spring up again more quickly (Menochius).



The hair of his head began to grow again, etc.: This circumstance, though in itself inconsiderable, is noted as a sign of the recovery of God’s favour, and his former strength, in some good degree, upon his bitter repentance, and his renewing of his vow with God, which was allowed for Nazarites to do, Numbers 6:9, etc., and which it is here supposed he did, and by the effects proved.

[1] Hebrew: וַיָּ֧חֶל שְׂעַר־רֹאשׁ֛וֹ לְצַמֵּ֖חַ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר גֻּלָּֽח׃


[2] Hebrew: כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר גֻּלָּֽח׃.

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Dave Arnold
Feb 14, 2019

Yes, I agree Dr. Dilday, today's Hebrew was a good exercise. The word which sticks out to me is the verb, צָמַח, which means to sprout forth, such as a plant would. Thus, as mentioned in the post, this verse is a clear expression of God's grace upon Samson. Grace does in fact "sprout forth", and is bestowed upon us even though we do not deserve it.

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Dr. Dilday
Dr. Dilday
Feb 14, 2019

Matthew Henry: 'Though the last stage of Samson's life was inglorious, and one could wish there were a veil drawn over it, yet this account here given of his death may be allowed to lessen, though it does not quite roll away, the reproach of it; for there was honour in his death. No doubt he greatly repented of his sin, the dishonour he had by it done to God and his forfeiture of the honour God had put upon him; for that God was reconciled to him appears, 1. By the return of the sign of his Nazariteship (Judges 16:22): His hair began to grow again, as when he was shaven, that is, to be as thick and a…

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Dr. Dilday
Dr. Dilday
Feb 14, 2019

Hebrew: The Hebrew here is relatively straightforward. Good daily exercise...

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