What does Judges 16:13 mean?
Samson is either arrogant about his ability to defeat his enemies, or clueless that the woman he loves is working for them (Judges 16:4–6). Twice, he told her a way to remove his supernatural strength; both were lies. In both cases, she did what he suggested, then shouted out a warning as if his Philistine enemies were there. Both times, he easily broke his bonds (Judges 16:7–12). Both times, she responds with a pouting, pleading attitude and asks again.It's natural to wonder how someone as headstrong and clever as Samson (Judges 14:12–14; 15:4–5) could fall into this trap. Delilah consistently attempts any method he suggests for erasing his great strength. Nothing happens when she tests him the first several times, which probably lulls him into a false sense of trust. The experience likely felt like a lover's game: a teasing, flirting banter between he and Delilah.
Whatever skepticism or common sense Samson might have had about the situation is fading. He once again invents a lie about the source of his strength. But this one is dangerously close to springing the trap. He seems to intentionally play with fire, making this lie about his long hair. Samson had been set aside by the angel of the Lord as a Nazirite before he was even born (Judges 13:5). Normally, those who voluntarily take a Nazirite vow agree not to drink wine or touch dead bodies, among other requirements (Numbers 6:1–21). The only obligation explicitly mentioned for Samson, however, was that he never cut his hair. Though Samson had willfully touched dead bodies and had likely consumed wine, he seems to have been faithful to that single mandate.
As a result, Samson's hair would have been quite long. It is apparently divided into seven long locks or braids. He tells Delilah that if she intertwines his hair into fabric and fastens it tight, he will lose his superhuman strength. The context of this passage suggests the use of an actual loom, implying Delilah might have been a weaver.