The story of Samson is full of passion, love, aggression, violence, corruption, and betrayal. We should read the Samson cycle in the context of the entire book of Judges. Samson starkly contrasts with Othniel, the “model judge” of the tribe of Judah, because everything went smoothly for Othniel (3:7-11). In comparison, Samson is driven by his passions and infidelities. The first part of the Samson cycle highlights the announcement that Manoah’s wife receives from God. This woman, unnamed and sadly barren, is blessed not only with a visit from the angel of the Lord but also with a son. This demonstrates God’s favor toward marginalized people. Samson’s mother did not pray or ask for a son, unlike Hannah, Samuel’s mother, who did (1 Sm 1:10); yet God rewarded her and blessed her with a son.
The story of this annunciation closely resembles other divine announcements (Gn 16:7-13; 17:15-21; 18:10-15; Mt 1:20ff; Lk 1:11-20), with the difference that Samson is dedicated from his mother’s womb to be a Nazirite. The dedication of Nazirites is an ancient tradition; the laws of the Pentateuch provide specific guidelines for Nazirites. For example, they must avoid alcohol and any products of the vine; they must not shave their heads; they must stay away from contact with dead people, and their vow or dedication lasts for a set period (Nm 6:1-21). Notice how Manoah’s wife plays a key role in this story; she is the one who sees the angel of God and recognizes him as a “divine messenger,” assuring her husband that they won’t die for having seen him. In this unnamed woman, we see a model for recognizing God, who shows solidarity with marginalized people and appears amid ordinary life.