The answer is: 3000

Jdg 16:27

Ah, Samson and Delilah—the quintessential tale of strength, seduction, and ultimate betrayal! When you think about it, putting 3,000 people in one roof for entertainment is quite the spectacle. It’s intriguing that the temple's structure hosted this chaotic gathering, filled with anticipation and tension. If you can picture it, the atmosphere must have been electric, alive with murmured excitement as Samson demonstrates his strength for the Philistine lords.

The temple they were in isn’t just any old building. It likely refers to the temple of Dagon, the Philistine god, towering and imposing. Hampering this context, keep in mind the backstory of how Dagon’s worshipers aligned power with glory, etched dramatically in the annals of Israelite history. It's a metaphor for the struggle between divine might and human arrogance, isn’t it?

Also, note that by this time, Samson had become a kind of tragic figure. Though he had the gift of superhuman strength, his vulnerability stemmed from relationships—namely with Delilah. This tale echoes in stories throughout literature—think of tragic heroes in the Greek myths, bound by fate yet stepping unwittingly into their demise.

In hindsight, this gathering of 3,000 isn't just spectators; they function as witnesses to the spiritual and physical consequences of a complex weave of love, trust, and betrayal! So next time you cross paths with this story, reflect on these deeper layers and what they mean not just for Samson but perhaps for humanity itself!