exceeding great help to the Israelites, but he never asked the
smallest service for himself. (120) When Samson told Delilah that
he was a "Nazarite unto God," she was certain that he had divulged
the true secret of his strength. She knew his character too well to
entertain the idea that he would couple the name of God with an
untruth. There was a weak side to his character, too. He allowed
sensual pleasures to dominate him. The consequences was that "he
who went astray after his eyes, lost his eyes." Even this severe
punishment produced no change of heart. He continued to lead his
old life of profligacy in prison, and he was encouraged thereto by
the Philistines, who set aside all considerations of family purity in
the hope of descendants who should be the equals of Samson in
giant strength and stature. (121)

As throughout life Samson had given proofs of superhuman power,
so in the moment of death. He entreated God to realize in him the
blessing of Jacob, (122) and endow him with Divine strength.
(123) He expired with these words upon his lips: "O Master of the
world! Vouchsafe unto me in this life a recompense for the loss of
one of my eyes. For the loss of the other I will wait to be rewarded
in the world to come." Even after his death Samson was a shield
unto the Israelites. Fear of him had so cowed the Philistines that
for twenty years they did not dare attack the Israelites. (124)

THE CRIME OF THE BENJAMITES

A part of the money which Delilah received from the Philistine
lords as the price of Samson's secret, she gave to her son Micah,
and he used it to make an idol for himself. (125) This sin was the
more unpardonable as Micah owed his life to a miracle performed