The author seems to divide Samson’s judgeship proper into two parts, in relation to geography: first, his Timnite affairs (Judges 13:25 – 15:20); second, his Gazite affairs (Judges 16:1–31). What gives further credence to this division is that each section concludes with a notice regarding his career as judge of Israel (Judges 15:20; Judges 16:31). Finally, in each section, Samson has a personal victory over the Philistines, putting thousands of them to death, thereby realizing what was promised to his parents by the angel of the Lord (Judges 13:5).1
25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.