שופטים, פרק ט״ז, פסוק כ״ו

Blinded by the Philistines, Samson is entirely dependent on the help of others simply to move around. He uses this very vulnerability to plan his final act. Because of his lack of sight, he requires a young servant to hold his hand and guide him [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Samson turns to the boy and asks him to let go of his hand [מצודת דוד]. To avoid suspicion, he creates a practical excuse, claiming that he is tired and wishes to lean against the pillars of the building. He reasons with the servant that once he is supported by the pillars, he will no longer need to rely on the boy's physical guidance [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Samson's instruction to the boy centers on how he wants to approach the building's architecture. The primary approach among commentators is that Samson asks to physically feel and touch the pillars with his own hands [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, some understand his request as a simple plea for movement, asking the lad to bring him close to the structures [רד״ק]. Regardless of the exact method, his ultimate objective is to position himself directly at the central support columns upon which the entire building is founded and stands [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].