Biblical Literature, The role of Samson

The exploits of the great Israelite strongman judge, Samson (a member of the tribe of Dan), are related in chapters 13 - 16. Dedicated from birth by his mother to Yahweh, Samson became a member of the Nazirites, an anti-Canaanite reform movement. As a Nazirite, he was required never to cut his hair, drink wine, or eat ritually unclean food. He married a Philistine woman whom he then