Samson

Manoah and his wife mourn deeply because both have passed the middle-age mark and remain childless. As they become older, their sorrow increases until one day the old wife calls upon the Lord and prays that they may have a child to gladden their declining years. An angel appears in answer to her prayer and prophecies that she shall have a son but that his hair must never be cut. The angel also declares that the son shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines. In due time Manoah's wife has a son and names him Samson. As he grows to manhood, his extraordinary strength is the marvel of his parents and the community. When he has attained a man's estate he goes to Timmath, where he meets and learns to love Zorah, a Philistine's beautiful daughter. Samson overcomes his father's objections to his marrying a Philistine maiden, and he conducts his parents to Timmath that they may see his bride. While they are nearing the Vineyard of Timmath a young lion roars at Samson. He becomes imbued with the spirit of the Lord, and after struggling with the beast he breaks its jaws. Arrived at Timmath with his parents the nuptial feast is arranged for and the betrothal is announced. During the interim before his marriage, Samson returns to the spot where he slew the lion and finds that bees have gathered there and have deposited honey in the carcass, Thus at his wedding feast he proposes to his guests the riddle, "Out of the eater came forth meat and out of the strong came forth sweetness," and he offers to give to him who solves the riddle 30 sheets and 30 changes of garments. Unable to answer the riddle, the Philistines go to Zorah, and threaten her with death unless she draws Samson out and obtains for them the answer. She fights against their threats and persuasions but she finally weakens and after obtaining the answer from Samson she tells the Philistines. When the final day arrives and they answer the riddle Samson is deeply wrought up against his wife because he realizes her deceit. In his anger he renounces her and leaves her with her father. However, when his anger cools he returns and wishes to become reconciled. But in the meantime Zorah's father has given her to another. Samson's anger knows no bounds and he goes into the cornfields of the Philistines' and applies the fire brand. Driven to despair, the Philistines blame Zorah's father as the author of their misfortunes and they burn his house consuming Zorah and her father. Weary of the world