Laura Dolby, age 15, of Laconia, N.H., for her question:

WHO WAS SAMSON?

Samson was a folk hero of the Israelites. His story can be found in the Book of Judges (chapters 14 16) in the Old Testament.

Samson was a member of the tribe of Dan, one of Israel's 12 tribes, all of which were fighting enemies, including the Philistines. Samson killed a wild lion with his bare hands, killed 30 Philistines single handedly in order to pay a gambling debt, killed 1,000 Philistines by himself with the jawbone of an ass and carried off the heavy gates of the Philistine city of Gaza.

Samson's downfall came when Delilah, a Philistine woman, found out that Samson's strength lay in his long hair. He never cut his hair as part of a vow he had made in dedicating himself to God. Delilah cut Samson's hair and he became weak. The Philistines then put out his eyes and threw him in prison.

Samson's hair finally grew long again and his strength returned. He pulled down the temple pillars, killing himself and many of the Philistines.