Samson et Dalila

The Hebrews beg Jehovah to free them from their oppression by the Philistines. Samson chastises his people for their lack of faith, and rouses them to war. Abimélech, a Philistine commander and kinsman of Dalila, denounces the Jews and their God. Enraged by this insult, Samson kills him. 

The High Priest of Dagon curses Samson and his strength. The Jews celebrate their victory. Samson sees Dalila, his lover. The Old Hebrew warns him against returning to Dalila.

Urged to vengeance by the Philistines and the High Priest, Dalila resolves to betray Samson. A storm is brewing when Samson arrives, consumed with his passion for Dalila. She accuses him of inconstancy, and demands he prove his love for her by revealing the source of his strength. Samson hears a warning from God in the sound of the thunder – but ultimately gives into Dalila’s seduction. Philistine soldiers capture and blind Samson.

Alone and imprisoned, the blinded Samson is racked with guilt and remorse. He prays for his people whose voices he hears, raised in anguish against him. Samson is paraded before the Philistines. In the temple of Dagon, the Philistines worship their god. As their celebrations turn into a wild Bacchanale, Dalila and the High Priest taunt Samson, demanding he kneel before a statue of Dagon. Samson prays to God to restore his strength. His wish is granted: with a mighty effort, he destroys the temple, crushing everyone within.