The brief unit in 16:1–3 recounts Samson’s involvement with a prostitute in Gaza, which provides another demonstration of his extraordinary strength. But more important, sandwiched between the narrative involving the Philistine woman he almost marries and the one about Delilah, whom he supposedly loves (16:4), this brief story is likely included to clarify Samson’s root problem. Lest one think that Samson is simply unlucky in love, the presence of this episode suggests that the “love” he seemingly seeks may be no more than the satisfaction of his sexual appetite.

Samson’s downfall through his involvement with Delilah is next recounted in 16:4–22. Although the text has not specified Delilah’s race, that she…