More Powerful Than a Locomotive

The Book of Judges spans the gap between the entry of the Israelites into the land of Israel under the able leadership of Moses' heir Joshua and the period of the kings described in the Books of Samuel and Kings. The leaders portrayed in Judges represent a remarkably diverse group. With the notable exception of Deborah, the title of 'judge' ascribed to these characters does not reflect their juridical roles but rather their accomplishments as saviors of the Jewish people. The choice of leaders is most surprising. Gideon, for example, is the youngest son of a poor farmer in a weak clan, while Jephthah is the son of a prostitute. But perhaps the most unlikely judge is the Herculean Samson. His exploits seem to be not acts of national dedication, rather an expression of his impetuousness, and to have been brought about mainly by his involvement with Philistine women. Although his actions are heroic, they are not exactly indicative of moral rectitude, and hardly seem designed for the edification and salvation of the people of Israel.

The Rabbis of the Mishnah indeed hold Samson accountable for his lascivious nature; they propose that since he followed his roving eyes, his own eyes were gouged out.