Act I
The Israelites, enslaved by the Philistines, beg for their freedom. Samson blames his brothers, reproaching them for having lost their courage and their faith. He promises that with God’s help he will break the chains that fetter them. His rousing words convince the Israelites: however, their cries alert Abimelech, the satrap of Gaza. He scoffs at Jehovah, the God of the Israelites, and sings the praises of Dagon, the deity adored by the Philistines. Samson calls on his people to revolt. Abimelech seizes his sword and races towards Samson but the latter grabs the weapon from him and slays him. At the head of the Israelites, Samson drives out the Philistines. The High Priest of the temple of Dagon appears and orders the revolt to be quelled. He is interrupted by a messenger who tells him that the Israelites have risen up and are now ravaging the country. The High Priest curses the Jews and flees with his partisans. The Israelites extol the virtues of Samson and his warriors. Samson thanks God for the victory. Just then, Dalila comes out of the temple, accompanied by a cortege of Philistine women. Together, they celebrate Samson’s glorious work. Dalila reminds Samson that he once conquered her heart and invites him to visit her at her house near Gaza. An elderly Hebrew man warns Samson not to fall victim to Dalila’s charms but Samson turns a deaf ear to all advice.

Act II

Dalila calls on all-powerful Love to help her seduce Samson again and reap vengeance. The High Priest appears and informs her of Samson’s new victories. He offers to give her gold if she can wrest the secret of his supernatural strength from him but she declines any remuneration. All she dreams of is vengeance. She tells the High Priest that she will use her love-spurned tears to ensnare the hero. Left alone, Dalila starts to doubt her power but, just then, Samson approaches. He would like to avoid the young woman but finds himself irresistibly attracted to her. Dalila unleashes all her charms, but her words of love are not enough to coax him into revealing his secret. Dalila reproaches him for not loving her then runs towards her house just as a storm breaks out. Samson decides to follow her. As soon as Dalila learns the secret of his strength, she summons soldiers to surround the house. They overpower Samson.

Act III

Samson is shackled in chains inside the prison at Gaza. He beseeches God to have pity on his people, once again under the Philistine yoke. The Israelites lament the fact that they were let down by Samson because of a woman. The guards then lead Samson to the Temple of Dagon. The Philistines hail the new day. Samson is exposed to the priests’ sarcastic comments. Once again, the High Priest provokes Jehovah by challenging him to restore Samson’s former strength. Samson is brought forward so that the crowds may see him kneel before Dagon. Samson implores God to restore his strength. The temple collapses upon him and the Philistine people.