Samson, Breaking Vows, and Not Having a Sword

21/04/2024 31 min

Listen "Samson, Breaking Vows, and Not Having a Sword"

Episode Synopsis

As we delve deeper into Tragic Hero narratives in The Bible, this episode we take a look at Samson. As you could probably guess, this story is much deeper, and much more nuanced than the typical Sunday-school treatment it gets. In fact, it could be said, that his story is a miniature history and foretelling of the fates and fortunes of Israel.

Topics Covered:

Samson's family history
Divine/miracle birth
The Nazirite's vow
The Riddle
The betrayal
Samson's retribution and the question of holy violence
How many times does Samson break his vow?
Symbolism behind burning vineyards, wheat fields, and olive groves
Samson's lack of having a sword
Discernment, sight and blindness
Betrayal trauma
Relying on one's own "giftedness"