(sunlike). Son of Manoah, of Dan, and judge of Israel for 20 years (Judg. 13:3-25). Noted for his great strength, marvelous exploits, and moral weakness. Contrary to the wishes of his parents, and to the law as laid down in Exodus 34:16, Deuteronomy 7:3, he married a Philistine woman of Timnath, whom he deserted on account of her treachery (Judg. 14). Wishing to return to her, and finding her given to another, he wreaked his vengeance on the Philistines by burning their crops and slaughtering great numbers of them (Judg. 15:1-8). He was surrounded by 3000 of his enemies, while he dwelt on the rock Etam, and surrendered to them, but burst his bands, and routed them with great slaughter (Judg. 15:9-19). Again he was surrounded by enemies in Gaza, but escaped by carrying away the gates of the city. The secret of his strength was finally detected by Delilah, and he was imprisoned and made blind. He finally killed himself and numerous enemies by pulling down the pillars of the house in which they were feasting (Judg. 16).