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Let's say for the sake of upholding the idea that there is typology at all underlying the Old Testament document, and that the revelation of Christ was progressing toward its fullness at his advent, would it be possible to see that there?
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I'm not opposed to typological evaluation, but its utility is often overextended such that nearly anything can be said to be typological. Samson's death largely being a consequence of his own frivolity renders it difficult for me to see it as typological of Christ's death even in the loosest sense even leaving aside the violence. It seems to me more damaging to be generous in application of types than it is to be overly miserly at any rate.You're definitely right to say that we need to be cautious. But we can't be so cautious that we just throw the hermeneutical and exegetical possibilities to the wind simply because we find some notion or story within the Old Testament distasteful to our modern moral inclinations.
Before comparing notes and sources, I'd say that the main point here in typological comparisons is to realize that some Old Testaments events are only typological in some minor form, thematically speaking, but not in substance.
The instance of Samson, then, is that his story is only typological in the sense where he was used by God and defeating the "enemies of God" and by doing so, he stretching out his arms are brought down one powercenter in the misdirections of paganism. Robert Hampshire describes some additional nuances that MIGHT BE (and I say "might be") at play in the typological meaning of Samson.
How Does the Story of Samson Point to Jesus?
That is why we needed Jesus Christ to come and save us: Because we could not save ourselves. We also see in Samson’s story the crucial lesson that God will ultimately be glorified, even if it is through our mistakes and blunders.Scott McKnight says otherwise:
Samson - A Hero of the Faith?
Samson is mentioned in two places in Scripture. The first is the story of Samson in Judges 13-16. The only other mention is in Hebrews 12 among a list of other Old Testament characters.And what more shall ...
The caveat in this is that I'm very, very aware of the violence aspect of this which is prominent as a part of the Samson narrative in the book of Judges, so that issue in and of itself needs to be assessed and addressed as a part of any typological or allegorical analysis that might be made of Samson (or of any other figure or event in the Old Testament). In such case, I'd bring in a number of additional sources--but not end with those--in order to better think through these "types."
You're right, that's why the NT writers, especially Matthew, quotes some unusual passages as alluding to Christ. They were really reaching and can be seen as problematic.
Are you comparing your interpretive efforts to an apostle writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit? And were they really unusual, or do they only seem so to a naive reader?
Judge it for yourself.
As far as I can tell, Matthew is not writing an interpretive text so we have to first establish that his use of the text is not meant to function prophetically which would render it largely independent of interpretation. I'm not entirely convinced we can establish sound hermeneutic principles from how the author's of Scripture used the texts since their function was not necessarily as textual commentaries. We can certainly learn some methods of application, but since their task was not primarily interpretation we can't always rely directly on their usage to glean their understanding.
Interesting perspective. I'll take it as an answer for this thread.
Amonsgt other differences not mentioned here , Jesus was humble and against violence Samson was arrogant and violent, they are too different.
