Explanation of Samson's Deeds
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Question
Hello, In Judges 16, the last period of Samson's life is described. 1. In the first three instances, the Philistine woman trying to discover the secret of his strength applies the instructions he gives her — why does this not arouse his suspicion that she is against him? 2. In general, for what do the commentators say Samson was punished?
Answer
Hello
1. The verse explains the reason that caused him to say this (Judges 16:16): "And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death."
See in the Talmud Sotah 9 how she compelled him to speak.
2. In the Mishnah (Sotah 9) it is stated:
"Samson followed his eyes; therefore, the Philistines gouged out his eyes, as it is said: 'And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes.'"
And there in the Talmud, other reasons are explained why he was punished, measure for measure.
Source
Judges 16, Sotah 9: