DELILAH

Judges 16

 I've never known a man who can sleep so deeply.

Looking at him now, braids all gone, shaven head supported on my lap, he looks as helpless as a baby. Yet he's terrified me, this brute of a man, given to violent outbursts and  all-consuming passions.

 

I would never have yoked myself to him, this fierce enemy of my people whose reputation preceded him, who had the blood of my own family on his hands. I would never have chosen him but he chose me and he was an unstoppable force.

 

Oh he loves me well enough in his own way but his lovemaking is as brutal as it is passionate. I've come to dread the sound of his step on the stair.

 And I am twice humiliated. Reports have reached me that, despite my husband's protestations of undying love, when he's absent from the marital bed he shares the bed of a Gazaian prostitute. And I have cried out in distress to the Gods and yet they have granted no child from our union, so I am to be twice despised. 

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Do you blame me then, for betraying this man to his enemies, for seizing with both hands the opportunity to be free? Do you blame me for seizing with both hands the chance to be financially secure for the rest of my life? Perhaps you do.

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 Or do you believe, as I do, that the Gods have finally smiled on me, that they have seen my plight and come to my aid?  

I've worked hard for this. I've caressed and cajoled, placated and pestered, plied with the finest wines, spoken in the most persuasive tongues. 

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Three times he's brought shame upon me. Three times freedom was within my grasp and he's made me look a fool. 

But this time will be different, I know it will be different, I've seen the strength go out of him, this time the victory is mine. 

“Samson, the Philistines are upon you.”