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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 16:25 And while their hearts were merry, they said, "Call for Samson to entertain us." So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/16-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/07_Jdg_16_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 16:25 - Samson's Vengeance and Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And while their hearts were merry, they said, Call for Samson to entertain us. 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When they stood him among the pillars, <a href="/nlt/judges/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Half drunk by now, the people demanded, “Bring out Samson so he can amuse us!” So he was brought from the prison to amuse them, and they had him stand between the pillars supporting the roof. <a href="/esv/judges/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, that he may entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. <a href="/kjv/judges/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars. <a href="/nkjv/judges/16.htm">New King James Version</a> So it happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may perform for us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he performed for them. And they stationed him between the pillars. <a href="/nasb_/judges/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It so happened when they were in high spirits, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may amuse us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he entertained them. And they made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/nasb/judges/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> It so happened when they were in high spirits, that they said, &#8220Call for Samson, that he may amuse us.&#8221 So they called for Samson from the prison, and he entertained them. And they made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/nasb77/judges/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> It so happened when they were in high spirits, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may amuse us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he entertained them. And they made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/lsb/judges/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So it happened when their hearts were merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may amuse us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he entertained them. And they made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/amp/judges/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when they were in high spirits, they said, “Call for Samson, so that he may amuse us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/csb/judges/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When they were in good spirits, they said, “Bring Samson here to entertain us.” So they brought Samson from prison, and he entertained them. They had him stand between the pillars. <a href="/hcsb/judges/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When they were drunk, they said, &#8220Bring Samson here to entertain us.&#8221 So they brought Samson from prison, and he entertained them. They had him stand between the pillars. <a href="/asv/judges/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made sport before them. And they set him between the pillars: <a href="/erv/judges/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made sport before them: and they set him between the pillars. <a href="/gwt/judges/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When all the Philistines were enjoying themselves, they said, "Call Samson in to entertain us." Samson was called from the prison, and he made them laugh. They made him stand between two columns. <a href="/isv/judges/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Because they all got good and drunk, they ordered, "Go get Samson, so he can entertain us." So they called for Samson from the prison, and he entertained them while they made him stand between the pillars. <a href="/msb/judges/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And while their hearts were merry, they said, ?Call for Samson to entertain us.? So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. <a href="/net/judges/16.htm">NET Bible</a> When they really started celebrating, they said, "Call for Samson so he can entertain us!" So they summoned Samson from the prison and he entertained them. They made him stand between two pillars. <a href="/nheb/judges/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And it happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, "Call for Samson, that he may entertain us." So they called for Samson out of the prison; and he performed before them. And they were striking him. And they set him between the pillars; <a href="/wbt/judges/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars. <a href="/web/judges/16.htm">World English Bible</a> When their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson, that he may entertain us.” They called for Samson out of the prison; and he performed before them. They set him between the pillars; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, when their heart [is] glad, that they say, “Call for Samson, and he entertains for us”; and they call for Samson out of the prison-house, and he entertains their faces, and they cause him to stand between the pillars. <a href="/ylt/judges/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, when their heart is glad, that they say, 'Call for Samson, and he doth play before us;' and they call for Samson out of the prison-house, and he playeth before them, and they cause him to stand between the pillars. <a href="/slt/judges/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be when their heart will be joyful, and they will say, Call to Samson, and he shall play to us. And they will call to Samson from the house of bonds and he will play before them, and they will set him between the pillars.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And rejoicing in their feasts, when they had now taken their good cheer, they commanded that Samson should be called, and should play before them. And being brought out of prison he played before them, and they made him stand between two pillars. <a href="/cpdv/judges/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And rejoicing in their celebration, having now taken food, they instructed that Samson be called, and that he be mocked before them. And having been brought from prison, he was mocked before them. And they caused him to stand between two pillars. <a href="/nabre/judges/16.htm">New American Bible</a> When their spirits were high, they said, “Call Samson that he may amuse us.” So they called Samson from the prison, and he provided amusement for them. They made him stand between the columns, <a href="/nrsvce/judges/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, and let him entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. They made him stand between the pillars;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass when their hearts were merry, they said, Call for Samson that he may make sport before us. And they called Samson out of the prison house; and he made sport before them; and they set him between the pillars. <a href="/hpbt/judges/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when their heart was pleased, they said: “Call for Samson to dance before us!” And they called Samson from the house of prisoners, and he was dancing before them, and they stood him between the pillars<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said: 'Call for Samson, that he may make us sport.' And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made sport before them; and they set him between the pillars. <a href="/sep/judges/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And when their heart was merry, then they said, Call Sampson out of the prison-house, and let him play before us: and they called Sampson out of the prison-house, and he played before them; and they smote him with the palms of their hands, and set him between the pillars. <a href="/parallel/judges/16-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=5001" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Samson's Vengeance and Death</a> …24And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” 25<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">while their hearts</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kī (Prep) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2895.htm" title="2895: ṭōḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- ">were merry,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qir·’ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">“Call</a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: lə·šim·šō·wn (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">for Samson</a> <a href="/hebrew/7832.htm" title="7832: wî·śa·ḥeq- (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To laugh. A primitive root; to laugh; by implication, to play.">to entertain</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">So they called</a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: lə·šim·šō·wn (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">Samson</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·bêṯ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">out of the prison</a> <a href="/hebrew/615.htm" title="615: h·s·rm (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- A bondman, prisoner. From 'acar; bound, i.e. A captive."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6711.htm" title="6711: way·ṣa·ḥêq (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To laugh. A primitive root; to laugh outright; by implication, to sport.">to entertain them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘ă·mî·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">And they stationed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/5982.htm" title="5982: hā·‘am·mū·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A pillar, column. Or ammud; from amad; a column; also a stand, i.e. Platform.">the pillars.</a> 26Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23-24</a> Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” / And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” <a href="/1_samuel/5-1.htm">1 Samuel 5:1-5</a> After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, / carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue. / When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. ... <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">1 Kings 18:27</a> At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">2 Kings 19:37</a> One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place. <a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1-4</a> Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. ... <a href="/daniel/5-23.htm">Daniel 5:23</a> Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">1 Samuel 16:16-23</a> Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.” / And Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me.” / One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-7</a> As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9-10</a> But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4</a> Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. <a href="/2_samuel/1-20.htm">2 Samuel 1:20</a> Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">2 Samuel 6:5</a> David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. <a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">2 Samuel 6:14-16</a> And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, / while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn. / As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. <a href="/2_chronicles/36-17.htm">2 Chronicles 36:17</a> So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, <a href="/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3</a> for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.their hearts<a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Judges 9:27</a> And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.<a href="/judges/18-20.htm">Judges 18:20</a> And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.<a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Judges 19:6,9</a> And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry… them.<a href="/job/30-9.htm">Job 30:9,10</a> And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword… <a href="/psalms/35-15.htm">Psalm 35:15,16</a> But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: … <a href="/psalms/69-12.htm">Psalm 69:12,26</a> They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/11-25.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Entertain</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Entertained</a> <a href="/judges/16-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">High</a> <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/judges/13-19.htm">Performed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-22.htm">Pillars</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-16.htm">Play</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-32.htm">Playeth</a> <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">Prison-House</a> <a href="/judges/16-23.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/15-14.htm">Shouted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-17.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/judges/7-21.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Stood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/21-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/9-4.htm">Entertain</a> <a href="/acts/28-7.htm">Entertained</a> <a href="/judges/18-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/judges/19-22.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">High</a> <a href="/judges/16-26.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">Performed</a> <a href="/judges/16-26.htm">Pillars</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">Play</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Playeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/16-10.htm">Prison-House</a> <a href="/judges/16-26.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/18-23.htm">Shouted</a> <a href="/ruth/3-7.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/judges/16-29.htm">Stood</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 16</div>1. <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city</a> 4. <a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson</a> 6. <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Thrice she is deceived</a> 15. <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">At last she overcomes him</a> 21. <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes</a> 22. <a href="/judges/16-22.htm">His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And while their hearts were merry This phrase indicates a time of celebration and revelry among the Philistines. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, feasting and merriment often accompanied religious festivals or victories. The Philistines were celebrating their perceived triumph over Samson, whom they believed was subdued by their god Dagon. This mirrors other biblical instances where feasting leads to moral or spiritual lapses, such as in the story of Belshazzar's feast in <a href="/daniel/5.htm">Daniel 5</a>.they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” The Philistines sought to mock Samson, who had been a formidable enemy. This reflects a common practice in ancient times where captives were humiliated for the amusement of their captors. Samson, once a judge and deliverer of Israel, is now reduced to a source of entertainment, highlighting the reversal of his fortunes due to his disobedience to God. This also foreshadows the ultimate downfall of the Philistines, as their mockery sets the stage for Samson's final act of strength.So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. Samson's imprisonment signifies his physical and spiritual bondage. The Philistines' ability to summon him at will underscores his loss of freedom and power. This moment is pivotal, as it leads to the climax of Samson's story. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments, yet also sets the stage for redemption and divine intervention.And they stationed him between the pillars. The pillars are central to the Philistine temple's structure, symbolizing the support of their society and religion. Samson's placement here is strategic, both for the Philistines' entertainment and for the narrative's unfolding. This positioning is crucial for the ensuing destruction, as it allows Samson to bring down the temple. Theologically, it represents the collapse of idolatry and the triumph of God's sovereignty, as Samson's final act leads to the defeat of the Philistines, fulfilling his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a> A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God tied to his Nazirite vow. At this point in the account, Samson has been captured by the Philistines after being betrayed by Delilah. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The enemies of Israel who have captured Samson. They are celebrating their victory over him and are using him for entertainment. 3. <a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a> The place where Samson was held after his capture. His imprisonment symbolizes his fall from grace and the consequences of his disobedience to God. 4. <a href="/topical/p/pillars.htm">Pillars</a> The structural supports of the building where the Philistines were gathered. These pillars play a crucial role in the climax of Samson's account. 5. <a href="/topical/f/feast/celebration.htm">Feast/Celebration</a> The Philistines are in a festive mood, celebrating their perceived triumph over Samson and, by extension, over the God of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Samson's capture and humiliation are direct results of his disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our own lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_weakness.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Weakness</a> Even in his weakest moment, God uses Samson to achieve His purposes. This teaches us that God can work through our weaknesses and failures to bring about His will. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride_and_complacency.htm">The Danger of Pride and Complacency</a> The Philistines' overconfidence in their victory over Samson leads to their downfall. This warns us against pride and the false security it brings. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_redemption.htm">Repentance and Redemption</a> Samson's account is ultimately one of redemption. Despite his failures, he turns back to God in his final moments, showing that it is never too late to seek God's forgiveness and strength. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> Samson's final act is preceded by a prayer to God for strength. This emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's help and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 16</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_use_flawed_samson.htm">In Judges 16, why would God continue to work through Samson despite his moral failings?</a> <a href="/q/could_one_person_topple_a_temple_alone.htm">In Judges 16:29-30, is it plausible that a single person could topple a temple by pushing two pillars?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_samson_trust_delilah_again.htm">In Judges 16:4-20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_samson_carry_a_city_gate.htm">In Judges 16:1-3, how could Samson realistically carry away an entire city gate on his shoulders?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) When their hearts were merry.--Comp. <a href="/judges/9-27.htm" title="And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and stepped the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.">Judges 9:27</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm" title="And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: why she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.">1Samuel 25:36</a>; <a href="/esther/1-10.htm" title="On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,">Esther 1:10</a>.That he may make us sport.--Whether by his forced jests, or by feats of strength, or merely by being made to submit to insults, we cannot tell. Josephus says that they sent for Samson "that they might insult him over their wine."He made them sport.--The LXX says (Cod. B), "And he played before them, and they beat him with rods."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - When their hearts were merry. They would not have acted so imprudently as to bring Samson out of his prison had not their judgment been clouded with drink. That he may make us sport. And he made them sport. The two verbs are not the same in Hebrew, but they have much the same meaning. It is not certain whether the idea conveyed is that of the A.V., that Samson was brought there to be as it were baited by the populace, jeered and jested at, reviled and reproached, perhaps struck or pelted; or whether the words do not simply mean to dance with music, which is certainly the meaning of the latter verb (he made sport before them, A.V. and margin) in <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7</a> (played, A.V.; see ver. 6); <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">2 Samuel 6:5, 21</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/13-8.htm">1 Chronicles 13:8</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/15-29.htm">1 Chronicles 15:29</a>. They set him between the pillars, i.e. when he had done dancing; because he must have been dancing outside the house for the people on the roof to see him. <a href="/commentaries/judges/16-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be while their hearts לִבָּ֔ם (lib·bām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre were merry, כְּט֣וֹב (kə·ṭō·wḇ) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good they said, וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Call קִרְא֥וּ (qir·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read for Samson לְשִׁמְשׁ֖וֹן (lə·šim·šō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> Samson -- a deliverer of Israel to entertain us.” וִישַֽׂחֶק־ (wî·śa·ḥeq-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7832.htm">Strong's 7832: </a> To laugh, to play So they called וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ (way·yiq·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read Samson לְשִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן (lə·šim·šō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> Samson -- a deliverer of Israel out of the prison מִבֵּ֣ית (mib·bêṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house to entertain them. וַיְצַחֵק֙ (way·ṣa·ḥêq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6711.htm">Strong's 6711: </a> To laugh outright, to sport And they stationed וַיַּעֲמִ֥ידוּ (way·ya·‘ă·mî·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations him אוֹת֖וֹ (’ō·w·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case between בֵּ֥ין (bên) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between the pillars. הָעַמּוּדִֽים׃ (hā·‘am·mū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5982.htm">Strong's 5982: </a> A column, a stand, platform <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/16-25.htm">OT History: Judges 16:25 It happened when their hearts were merry (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/16-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 16:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 16:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/16-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 16:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 16:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>