This page gives you ready-to-use study questions for Judges 16, with a leader’s answer or discussion note for each one. It works for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal reflection. The questions move from what the chapter says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday living, so you can pick the set that fits your time.
Judges 16 at a Glance
Judges 16 follows Samson through the last section of his story. He visits Gaza, where he escapes a trap at the city gate, then falls in love with Delilah in the valley of Sorek. Three times she presses him for the secret of his strength, and three times he gives her a false answer. When he finally tells her the truth about his Nazirite vow, she has his hair cut while he sleeps, and the Philistines seize him.
The chapter ends with a reversal. His hair begins to grow back, and at a Philistine festival he is brought out to be mocked. He prays one last time, pushes against the pillars of the temple, and dies along with his enemies. Use these questions to trace that arc and notice the choices that lead to it.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the text and read the verses aloud. Let silence sit for a moment so quieter members have room to speak.
Judges 16:4
It came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
(WEB)
Read this verse to set the stage for the Delilah storyline. It introduces the relationship that drives the rest of the chapter, so the group can keep it in mind while the tension builds.
Judges 16:17
He told her all his heart, and said to her, “No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me, and I will become weak, and be like any other man.”
(WEB)
This is the turning point where Samson reveals his vow. Reading it aloud slowly lets the group feel the weight of what he gives away and why.
Judges 16:20
She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” He awoke out of his sleep, and said, “I will go out as at other times, and shake myself free.” But he didn’t know that the LORD had departed from him.
(WEB)
Read this verse to highlight the gap between Samson’s expectations and reality. It prompts reflection on how easily we assume God’s presence without checking.
Judges 16:22
However the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaved.
(WEB)
This short verse shows that Samson’s hair began to grow back even in captivity. It opens space for the group to talk about hope and restoration in the middle of loss.
Judges 16:28-30
28 Samson called to the LORD, and said, “Lord the LORD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and leaned on them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left. 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were therein. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life.
(WEB)
Read this passage as the climax of the chapter. Samson’s last prayer and final act bring the story to its close, and the group can reflect on how God hears a sincere request even after a long fall.
Memory Verse for Judges 16
Judges 16:28
Samson called to the LORD, and said, “Lord the LORD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
(WEB)
Samson’s cry, “Lord the LORD, remember me,” is a simple, honest prayer that anyone can carry. Memorizing it gives the group a short model for turning to God directly when they feel weak or far away.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you after reading the story of Samson and Delilah, and we see in it our own tendency to trust our strength and to ignore what you have entrusted to us. Forgive us for the habits and relationships that have worn down our faithfulness. Help us to guard what is sacred, to speak honestly with you, and to notice when we have drifted without realizing it. Remember us, as you remembered Samson, and give us strength to walk in your way this week. Amen.
