שופטים, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ה׳

The Philistine leaders recognize the romantic bond between Samson and Delilah as a rare chance to eliminate the looming threat to their cities. They approach her with a calculated proposal, urging her to use persuasive, inciting words to wear him down [מצודת ציון]. Their mission for her is divided into two distinct objectives [מלבי״ם]. First, she must uncover the hidden source of his superhuman power so they can neutralize it [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Second, she needs to find a physical vulnerability that would allow them to overpower him, just in case his strength is entirely natural [מלבי״ם].

Anticipating resistance, the leaders warn Delilah that Samson will likely lie to her. Because of this, she cannot simply take his word; she must actively test his claims in practice until she is absolutely certain he has revealed the truth [מצודת דוד, חומת אנך, מלבי״ם]. This campaign of deception is not a swift process. Delilah relentlessly questions and pesters him over a period of days [רד״ק]. She manipulates his desire for her, withholding her affection until he can no longer bear the emotional pressure and finally surrenders his secret [רלב״ג].

The ultimate goal of the Philistine leaders is to capture, bind, and torment him [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, their plan includes a specific agreement not to execute him. They ultimately honor this boundary, choosing instead to blind him, chain him, and force him into hard labor in prison rather than putting him to death [מלבי״ם, רלב״ג]. In exchange for her betrayal, the leaders offer Delilah a staggering financial reward. Because Samson poses a direct threat to each of their individual cities, every single leader personally promises her one thousand one hundred pieces of silver [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They assure her that their political status is so elevated and their guarantee so secure that she can consider the fortune as if it is already resting in her hands [חומת אנך].