At the end of chapter 16 of the Book of Judges, Samson’s father’s grave is mentioned, and apparently his mother has already died as well. It seems that the chapter begins at a stage in life when Samson is lonelier than ever.
Why so dramatic?
Samson is, as we recall, by nature a lonely man, like the symbol of the Tribe of Dan – the snake, which always acts alone. But ultimately, even a man’s will to live fades when he has no sense of belonging, no meaningful connection, no love in his life. Throughout his life, his loneliness intensifies. Samson is never depicted in any scene as someone who works together with others. He fights alone, laughs alone, and falls alone.
The attempts on Samson’s life multiply. The Philistines, whom he considered his friends, plot evil against him. His father-in-law gives Samson’s wife to another man. His wife betrays him. And even his brothers from Israel try to hand him over to the enemy.
Samson remains a man without belonging, without love,...
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