Samson & Dalila

The Story

Samson betrayed by Dalila. "Simson und Dalila" by Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)

The story opens in the city of Gaza, one of the five cities ruled by the Philistines, about 10 centuries BCE.

ACT I.

A group of Hebrews prays to God for relief from their bondage to the Philistines. Samson stands out from the crowd and encourages them to put their trust in God. The Philistine commander Abimélech overhears Samson and denounces the Hebrews and their God. Samson challenges him and urges his people to action, killing Abimélech, and then leading the mob away. The High Priest of Dagon furiously orders his fearful Philistine soldiers to kill the Hebrews, who are now burning the Philistine fields. He curses Samson, the Hebrews, and their God. Samson, re-entering with his joyous people, gives thanks for their victory. When the Philistine priestess Dalila and her attendants appear, they bring flowers to crown the victors. Dalila recalls how Samson once conquered her heart and invites him to return to her. Samson is tempted, despite the Old Hebrew’s warning to ignore her. Dalila’s maidens dance seductively, and she tells Samson of the burning love she still feels for him.

ACT II.

At her home in the valley of Sorek, Dalila calls on her gods to help her entrap Samson and render him powerless. The High Priest unexpectedly enters, telling Dalila of Samson’s victories over the Philistines, and requests her help. She promises to defeat Samson that very night and refuses any reward, explaining she has already tried to learn the secret of his strength. Sure of their victory, the priest rushes away. Dalila now fears Samson will not come, but in the gathering storm he appears. He tells Dalila that his passion has driven him to her. When he describes how God calls him to lead Israel, Dalila predicts he will yield to her more powerful god—love. As soon as he surrenders, she demands that he tell her the secret of his strength. When he refuses, she calls him a coward. Samson hears God’s warning in the thunder, but follows Dalila into her house. Learning his secret, Dalila calls for the Philistine soldiers.

ACT 3.

Samson, blind and chained to an enormous millwheel, implores God to take pity on his people, and to take his life instead. The Hebrews lament in the background. In the Temple of Dagon, the Philistines celebrate their victory over the Hebrews. Led by a child, Samson endures the mockery of the High Priest and Dalila. When the Priest challenges the God of Israel to prove his might by restoring Samson’s sight, the hero prays for a return of his strength. The Priest commands the child to lead Samson to the altar between the main pillars of the temple. Samson again prays for strength, and with a mighty effort pushes down the pillars of the temple, crushing everyone.

– freely adapted from Opera News