Mirror Characters in the Bible: The Case of Samson and David

There is a phenomenon of "mirror characters" in Tanakh - characters with many similar actions, personality traits, and characteristics, and often the Tanakh will go out of its way to use similar linguistic styles in order to highlight these similarities. Often examining these similarities also serves to highlight the differences between the two characters- including their successes and failures. This shiur focuses on the characters of David and Shimshon, highlighting the major similarities between them, and the similar choices they make, but also the crucial differences. By examining these differences we learn about the importance of channeling one's powers and strengths only towards productive, meaningful actions and national goals.