Thoughts on “Samson: A Tragedy in Three Acts” by Shimon Bakon

Article available here 
Things that were new to me:
There is mention of God moving Samson in his early life and one has to consider how it was that he became a judge, so perhaps he had a golden age that the Bible doesn’t mention.
“and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.”

Judges 13:25

Hadn’t picked up about taking the honey from a carcass – Nazirites (of whom Samson was made one before birth) were not meant to come into contact with dead bodies (Num 6:6).

The festival Samson held [Hebrew mishteh] in 14:10 would include alcoholic drinks – again forbidden for Nazirites (Num 6:3).

It is only at the end of his life that he seems to really acknowledge that it is God who has given him his mighty strength. And it is only at the end of his life that he really starts to accomplish the purpose of his life, namely, “he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the philistines” (13:5).

7 Mighty Acts of Samson

1. Lion 14:6

2. 30 men Ashkelon (14:19).

3. 300 Foxes (15.4)

4. Viscous Slaughter (15:7)

5. 1,000 men with jawbone (15:15)

6. Posts up hill (16:3)

7. Destruction of Temple (16:30)