Shimshon: The Haftarah of Naso
Why was the story of Shimshon chosen as the haftarah for Parshat Naso? Is it simply because Shimshon was a Nazir or is there also a deeper reason?
Never question God's choice of savior of Bnei Yisrael: יפתח/שמשון/גדעון בדורו כשמואל/משה/אהרון בדורו
Shimshon is a complex leader, he acts on his own, not as the representative of Bnei Yisrael.
Shimshon's parents are told he is going to save Bnei Yisrael years before he actually saves Bnei Yisrael - this reminds us that Hashem plans our salvation long before it occurs.
The parsha, like the haftarah ends on a positive note, the great hope of what is going to be (the beginning Behaalotecha and its haftarah reflect this theme as well) - the great expectation that is tragically shattered.
Delivered at the OU Israel Center, June 4, 2019 (Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5775)