Samson and the Liminal Hero in the Ancient Near East

The primary problem that Mobley''s book deals with is the odd character of Judges 13-16 and of its hero. Samson''s special quality, noted by virtually all interpreters, is defined here as liminality. The liminal situation, which includes a movement away from society, the lack of social restraints, and the status of outsider, is a permanent condition for Samson. The secondary purpose of this book i...