23 Now the Philistine leaders gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. 16:23 Jos 15:41; 19:27; 1Sm 5:2–5,7; 1Ch 10:10 They rejoiced and said:
Our god has handed over
our enemy Samson to us.
24 When the people saw him, they praised their god 16:24 Dn 5:4 and said:
Our god has handed over to us
our enemy who destroyed our land
and who multiplied our dead.
25 When they were in good spirits, 16:25 Or When they were feeling good they said, "Bring Samson here to entertain us." So they brought Samson from prison, and he entertained them. They had him stand between the pillars.
26 Samson said to the young man who was leading him by the hand, "Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them." 27 The temple was full of men and women; all the leaders of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them.