Saul and the Samson Narrative

Abstract

The aim of this article is to draw attention to the close parallels between the story of Samson and that of Saul. On examination it becomes apparent that these are intimately related. This article argues that Saul's birth story had been incorporated into that of Samuel. When the image of Samuel is put to one side it then becomes clear that Saul's image closely parallels that of Samson in that they share not only a similar Nazirite birth, but also a heroic character. It would seem, therefore, that the pro-Saul author could not openly write the true story of Saul; instead he camouflaged it behind the heroic image of Samson.