Two observations are in order. (1) It is Samson’s own fault that he lost the bet. It was a sure winner if he had just persevered and kept his mouth shut. Instead, despite his great physical strength, he is completely helpless when confronted with the love of women, and he cannot resist divulging the answer. (2) The act of killing the thirty men—which is no doubt a mighty achievement—is motivated by Samson’s anger and vengeance. This is murder and larceny. The motive is not to deliver Israel from the Philistines or even to bring judgment on them. It only serves his purposes. But even this does
...more
