Beyond brute strength: A fresh look at Samson's search for intimacy in the Hebrew Bible
Briefly

Samson is recognized for his incredible strength and violent acts against the Philistines in the Book of Judges. His role as a judge is marked by personal grievances rather than defense of his people. Despite extraordinary feats, such as slaying a lion and defeating a Philistine army, he is often seen as impulsive and lacking moral judgment. His failed relationships, especially with Delilah, expose his longing for companionship, highlighting a more emotional and human side to his character, juxtaposed with his legendary strength and destructive tendencies.
Samson is portrayed as a man of immense physical strength whose story is marked by violence, yet deep emotional longings and failed romantic pursuits also define his journey.
Samson’s impulsive behavior and personal grievances drive him to acts of destruction against the Philistines, portraying him as a conflicted figure, rather than a straightforward hero.
The text emphasizes not just his violent feats, but also his failed attempts at connection, revealing a complex character whose desire for intimacy often leads to his downfall.
Read at The Conversation
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