Samson Followed His Eyes and the Philistines Bored Them Out

"And Samson went down to his father, and said: Get her for me, for she is pleasing in my eyes" (Judges 14:2-3). Samson rebelled after his eyes; therefore the Philistines bored out his eyes, as it is said, "And the Philistines seized him and bored out his eyes" (Judges 16:21). But is that so? Is it not written, "But his father and his mother did not know that it was from the LORD, that he was seeking an occasion against the Philistines" (Judges 14:4)? Even so, when he went, he nonetheless went after what pleased him. Rabbi says: Samson's corruption began at Gaza, as it is written, "And Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her" (Judges 16:1); therefore he was first stricken at Gaza, as it is written, "And they brought him down to Gaza" (Judges 16:21). But is it not written, "And Samson went down to Timnah" (Judges 14:1) first? His corruption nonetheless began at Gaza.