Samson and the Rabbis

 https://www.torahmusings.com/2012/09/samson-and-the-rabbis

I often struggle with the vast differences between the plain meaning of biblical narratives and the understandings of the Sages. Among the most severe cases is that of Shimshon. The book of Judges portrays him as an intermarrying sinner while the Sages see him as a holy judge (see Samson’s Struggle). Which of these incompatible views is correct?

The dilemma can appear to be a case of the rabbis telling us to trust them over the plain evidence available to all. On the other hand, every reading involves interpretation, both our own and that of the Sages. Perhaps we need to recognize that what we see as facts are colored by our own, often only implicit, interpretations.