Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 64:2 (Jun 2021)
Article: Type-Casting The Samson Family: Genesis Parodies In Judges 13–14
Author: Jillian L. Ross

JETS 64:2 (June 2021) p. 237

Type-Casting The Samson Family: Genesis Parodies In Judges 13–14

Jillian L. Ross*

^* Jillian L. Ross is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of Biblical Language Programs in the School of Divinity at Liberty University, 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24515. She may be contacted at [email protected]. An early version of this paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, San Diego, November 20, 2019.

Abstract: While many scholars have treated type scenes from the Samson narrative in a case-by-case manner, more attention is needed to deduce their collective rhetorical effect. The Samson narrative censures Samson and his parents by using typology, particularly type scenes and types, as a weapon against the family to expose their sins and weaknesses. This article explores four types related to Genesis found in Judges 13–14. The elements of various type scenes are juxtaposed to establish patterns in order to find deviations and to determine if textual allusions are present. Deviations from the type scene are marked by expansions, suppressions, or modifications of details in the Samson account. These deviations consistently unmask the shortcomings of the Samson family; they serve, therefore, as a large-scale literary device due to their density and unity of purpose. The various types form a collection of parodies that denounce Samson and his family as less righteous than their Genesis forefathers.

Key words: Samson, typology, type, type scene, parody, patriarchs, Eve, Judges 13–14

The Samson narrative employs typology as a large-scale narrative technique to show the failures of Samson and his family.1 The story uses type scenes to portray Samson and his family as similar to, or even worse than, unfaithful “Israelites” from the patriarchal period. When a Samson account parallels a Genesis narrative, Samson or his parents are consistently depicted unfavorably when compared with earlier generations. Scholars have explored some of these types in a case-by-case manner.2 The types, however, function as a collective to demonstrate that Samson and his family typify the generation “who did not know Yahweh nor the work which he had done for Israel” (Judg 2:10) and who failed the test to “keep the way of Yahweh” (v. 22).3 Specifically, the various types function as parodies to denounce this ...