Midrash su Genesi 49:16

R. Jochanan said: "Samson judged Israel like the Heavenly Father did, as it is said (Gen. 49, 16) Dan shall judge his people like one, etc." R. Jochanan said further: "Samson was called by the name of the Holy One, praised be He, as it is said (Ps. 84, 12) For a (Shemesh) sun and shield is the Lord God." According to this version, then, his name must not be erased? We must therefore say that it is similar to the name of the Holy One, praised be He. Just as the Holy One, praised be He, protected the whole world so did Samson protect Israel in his generation. R. Jochanan said further: "Bilam was lame on one of his legs, as it is said (Num. 23, 8) And he went Shefi; Samson was lame on both of his legs, as it is said (Gen. 49, 17) Shefifon — on the path.

Dan shall judge his people like one of the tribes of Israel (Gen. 49:16). Like one signifies that like Judah, he was one of the most distinguished of the tribes. Another explanation of like one of the tribes of Israel. He was like the Unique One of the world, who requires no assistance in battle, as it is said: I have trod the wine press alone (Isa. 43:3). Samson, who descended from Dan, needed no assistance from others, as is said: With the jawbone of an ass have I smitten a thousand men (Judg. 15:16).

Dan shall be a serpent on the way (Gen. 49:16). All animals travel about in pairs, but the serpent goes about alone. And just as the serpent is vengeful so too was Samson, as is said: I may be this once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes (Judg. 16:18). When Jacob saw him he exclaimed: I wait for Thy salvation, O Lord (Gen. 49:18).