The Theological Dimension of the Samson Saga

Abstract

Theological interpretation of the Samson Saga, Judg. xiii-xvi, has posed a thorny problem for many exegetes. The strange combination of rowdy adventure stories and theological considerations which we meet in these chapters may be accounted for, at least in part, by recourse to theories about the growth of the tradition. Indeed, one may speak of a consensus among both the early source critics and later form critics that the theological dimension represents a later reflection upon the worldly exploits of the folk hero Samson.2 But serious inquiry into the theology of the saga cannot content itself with investigation of its tradition history, and the question must be posed of the present form of the saga: what theological message does it seek to convey? The message of the saga is frequently characterized in negative terms: Samson squanders his God-given powers and thus provides an example of how a charismatic should not behave.3 Not only are Samson's sexual liaisons and personal vendettas against the