About Ruth

Ruth tells the beautiful story of loyalty and redemption, showing how a Moabite woman became part of the lineage of David and ultimately Christ.

Author: Samuel (traditionally)Written: c. 1050-1000 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 18
LoyaltyRedemptionProvidenceLoveKindnessFaith

King James Version

Ruth 3

18 verses with commentary

Ruth's Appeal to Boaz

Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

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KJV Study Commentary

Naomi initiates marriage plan: <strong>'My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?'</strong> The word 'rest' (<em>manoach</em>, מָנוֹחַ) means security, settlement, or restful dwelling—specifically the security marriage provided for women in ancient society. Naomi seeks Ruth's welfare through proper marriage to a kinsman-redeemer. Her motherly care demonstrates cov...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **Rest.**—Although Naomi had already (Ruth 1:12) repudiated any thought of marriage for herself, still she felt it her duty to do what she could to provide a home for the daughter-in-law who had so loyally followed her, lest her own death should leave her young companion specially unprotected and friendless. But there is clearly a second thought. The marriage of Boaz and Ruth will not only ens...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

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KJV Study Commentary

Naomi identifies the kinsman: <strong>'And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?'</strong> She confirms Boaz's kinsman status, making him potential <em>go'el</em> (redeemer). The phrase <strong>'Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor'</strong> provides timing and location. Winnowing occurred after harvest, using evening breezes to separate grain from cha...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

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KJV Study Commentary

Naomi gives instructions: <strong>'Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor'</strong>. These preparations involved ritual cleansing, anointing with oil, and wearing best garments—Ruth should present herself attractively but modestly. The instruction <strong>'but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and dr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3-5) The plan suggested by Naomi seems peculiar, yet some thoughts may give a certain colouring to it. (1) Naomi seems *to *have believed that Boaz was the nearest kinsman, being ignorant of the yet nearer one (Ruth 3:12). Consequently, according to Israelite law (Deuteronomy 25:5 *sqq.*)*, *it would be the duty of Boaz to marry Ruth to raise up seed to the dead. (2) The general tone of Naomi’s c...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. uncover: or, lift up the clothes that are on

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KJV Study Commentary

The crucial instruction: <strong>'And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down'</strong>. This enigmatic instruction has generated scholarly debate. 'Uncovering feet' likely means literally removing the covering from his feet, a symbolic act requesting his protection as kinsman-redeemer. Lying ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Uncover his feet.**—More literally, as the margin, *lift up the clothes that are on his feet; *so LXX. and the Vulgate. We are told that the custom still prevails in Palestine of owners of crops sleeping on their threshing-floors, lying with their clothes on, but with their feet covered with a mantle.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

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KJV Study Commentary

Ruth's obedience: <strong>'And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do'</strong>. Ruth's complete submission to Naomi's plan demonstrates trust in her mother-in-law's wisdom and God's providence working through godly counsel. She doesn't question, modify, or hesitate but commits to full obedience despite the plan's unusual nature and potential for misunderstanding. This models bi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **I will do.**—Ruth’s obedience here is an intelligent obedience. She knew in what relation Boaz stood for her family, and the duties attaching to the relationship (Ruth 2:20; Ruth 3:9). Thus with obedient trust, implicitly but not blindly, she follows her mother-in-law’s orders; strong in conscious innocence she risks the obloquy that may attend her duty.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

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KJV Study Commentary

Ruth's execution: <strong>'And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her'</strong>. The narrative confirms Ruth's complete obedience—she followed instructions precisely. This repetition emphasizes her faithfulness and the plan's proper execution. Her actions set in motion events leading to redemption, demonstrating how God works through human obedience ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

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KJV Study Commentary

The encounter begins: <strong>'And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn'</strong>. Boaz's contentment ('heart was merry') after successful harvest day shows blessing and satisfaction in God's provision. His lying at 'end of the heap' guarded the grain. <strong>'And she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down'</str...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And it came to pass at midnight , that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. turned: or, took hold on

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KJV Study Commentary

Discovery: <strong>'And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet'</strong>. The midnight timing and Boaz's startlement ('was afraid', literally 'trembled' or 'was startled') show his surprise at discovering someone at his feet. The narrative's suspense emphasizes the vulnerability and risk Ruth undertook. Her presence could have...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Was afraid.**—Was startled. See the use of the word in Genesis 27:33. **Turned.**—Literally, *bent himself. *(Comp. Judges 16:29.) He wakes with a start, and in turning sees a woman at his feet.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. a near: or, one that hath right to redeem

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KJV Study Commentary

Revelation: <strong>'And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman'</strong>. Ruth identifies herself and makes explicit request. The phrase 'spread thy skirt' (<em>paras kenaphekha</em>, פְּרֹשׂ כְּנָפֶךָ) uses same Hebrew word (<em>kanaph</em>) Boaz used blessing Ruth to find refuge under God's '...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Skirt.**—Literally *wing; *Heb. *canaph, *as in Ruth 2:12. The Targum treats this as in itself the claim to espousal on her part. The metaphor may be illustrated from Ezekiel 16:8, and more generally from Matthew 23:37.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 15:9-13. He Is Bound by the Men of Judah, and Delivered to the Philistines. **9-17. Then the Philistines went up--**to the high land of Judah. **and spread themselves in Lehi--**now El-Lekieh, abounding with limestone cliffs; the sides of which are perforated with caves. The object of the Philistines in this expedition was to apprehend Samson, in revenge for the great slaughter he had commi...
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And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

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KJV Study Commentary

Boaz's response: <strong>'Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning'</strong>. Boaz blesses Ruth, recognizing her actions as <em>chesed</em> (covenant loyalty). The phrase 'more kindness...than at the beginning' compares her commitment to Naomi (chapter 1) with this new demonstration of <em>chesed</em>—she could have sought...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Blessed be thou of the Lord.**—This answer of Boaz’s is in itself a sufficient proof of the view he took of her conduct, and of the integrity of his own. We note, too, that this blessing follows immediately on the avowal of her name. His own feelings had already been attuned to due honour and respect for Ruth; he is prepared not only to discharge the duty of next of kin, but to do it in no ...
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And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. city: Heb. gate

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KJV Study Commentary

Assurance: <strong>'And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman'</strong>. Boaz commits to fulfill her request, addressing her fears and promising action. His reference to her reputation—'all the city...doth know thou art a virtuous woman' (<em>eshet chayil</em>, אֵשֶׁת חַיִל, 'woman of valor/wort...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **City.**—Literally, *gate: *the constant meeting-place of persons going in and out. (See Genesis 19:1; Genesis 34:20; Genesis 34:24; Deuteronomy 16:18; Deuteronomy 21:19, &c.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. a hollow place ... in the jaw--**"in Lehi"--taking the word as a proper noun, marking the place. **there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again--**His strength, exhausted by the violent and long-continued exertion, was recruited by the refreshing draft from the spring; and it was called **En-hakkore--**the "supplication well," a name which records the piety of ...
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And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

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KJV Study Commentary

Complication: <strong>'And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I'</strong>. Boaz confirms his <em>go'el</em> status but reveals an obstacle—a closer relative with prior legal right to redeem. This complication demonstrates Boaz's integrity—he could have concealed this information and claimed Ruth immediately, but he insists on proper legal process. His...
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Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

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KJV Study Commentary

Boaz's plan: <strong>'Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not, then will I do the part of a kinsman unto thee, as the LORD liveth'</strong>. Boaz instructs Ruth to stay until morning for safety and propriety. His promise invokes God's name in oath form—'as the LORD liveth'—sho...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Until the morning.**—You have made clear the object of your plea, and I fully assent to it; but do not run the risk of going now, in the dead of night, back to your home.

And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

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KJV Study Commentary

Dawn departure: <strong>'And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another'</strong>. Ruth's morning departure before dawn prevented anyone recognizing her, protecting both their reputations. <strong>'And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor'</strong>. Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation shows protective care beyond legal obligation....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **One could know another.**—Literally, *a man could recognise his friend; i.e., *before daylight, in the early dusk. **A woman.**—Literally, *the woman*—i.e., this woman. Thus it is of Ruth, not of himself, that Boaz is here thinking. A sensible man like Boaz knows *“*that we must not only keep a good conscience, but keep a good name; we must avoid not only sin but scandal.” (Henry.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 16 Jud 16:1-3. Samson Carries Away the Gates of Gaza. **1-2. Gaza--**now Guzzah, the capital of the largest of the five Philistine principal cities, about fifteen miles southwest of Ashkelon. The object of this visit to this city is not recorded, and unless he had gone in disguise, it was a perilous exposure of his life in one of the enemy's strongholds. It soon became known that he was t...
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Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. vail: or, sheet, or, apron

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KJV Study Commentary

Provision: <strong>'Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her'</strong>. Boaz sends Ruth home with generous gift of grain—approximately an ephah (22 liters), enough for extended provision. This wasn't wages but gift expressing covenant commitment and caring for both Ruth and Naomi. The generous a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Vail**—Rather a *mantle, *so in Isaiah 3:22. **She went.**—This should be, if we follow the current Hebrew text, *he went. *The verb is masculine (*yabho*)*, *and the distinction is shewn in the Targum, which inserts the name Boaz as the nominative. It must be allowed that a fair number of Hebrew MSS., as well as the Peshito and Vulgate, take the verb in the feminine. The LXX. is from the n...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 16 Jud 16:1-3. Samson Carries Away the Gates of Gaza. **1-2. Gaza--**now Guzzah, the capital of the largest of the five Philistine principal cities, about fifteen miles southwest of Ashkelon. The object of this visit to this city is not recorded, and unless he had gone in disguise, it was a perilous exposure of his life in one of the enemy's strongholds. It soon became known that he was t...
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And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

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KJV Study Commentary

Return home: <strong>'And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter?'</strong> Naomi's question likely means 'How did it go?' or 'What happened?'—asking about the outcome and perhaps Ruth's new status. Ancient idiom used 'who are you?' to inquire about changed circumstances or status. <strong>'And she told her all that the man had done to her'</strong>. Ruth reported ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **who art thou?**—We can hardly view this as a simple question as to Ruth’s identity, but rather as meaning, *how hast thou fared?*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. Samson ... arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city--**A ruinous pile of masonry is still pointed out as the site of the gate. It was probably a part of the town wall, and as this ruin is "toward Hebron," there is no improbability in the tradition. **carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron--**That hill is El-Montar; but by Hebron in this passage is m...
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And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

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KJV Study Commentary

Evidence shown: <strong>'And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said unto me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law'</strong>. Ruth reports Boaz's words showing his care extended to Naomi—he didn't want Ruth returning empty-handed. The large gift tangibly demonstrated Boaz's commitment and ability to provide abundantly. His concern for Naomi showed he understood that redeeming...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jud 16:4-14. Delilah Corrupted by the Philistines. **4. he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek--**The location of this place is not known, nor can the character of Delilah be clearly ascertained. Her abode, her mercenary character, and her heartless blandishments afford too much reason to believe she was a profligate woman.

Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

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KJV Study Commentary

Counsel to wait: <strong>'Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day'</strong>. Naomi counsels patient waiting while Boaz acts. Her confidence that he 'will not be in rest, until he have finished' shows she understood Boaz's character—his commitment meant immediate action to resolve the...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Will not be in rest.**—*i.e., will not keep quiet.* **IV. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. **Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. the lords of the Philistines--**The five rulers deemed no means beneath their dignity to overcome this national enemy. **Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth--**They probably imagined that he carried some amulet about his person, or was in the possession of some important secret by which he had acquired such herculean strength; and they bribed Delilah, doubtless by a large r...
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