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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 14:4 (Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.)</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/14-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/07_Jdg_14_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 14:4 - Samson's Marriage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="(Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; 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for at that time they were ruling over Israel.) <a href="/nlt/judges/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> His father and mother didn’t realize the LORD was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time. <a href="/esv/judges/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel. <a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> (Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.) <a href="/kjv/judges/14.htm">King James Bible</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. <a href="/nkjv/judges/14.htm">New King James Version</a> But his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD—that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines. For at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. <a href="/nasb_/judges/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> However, his father and mother did not know that this was of the LORD, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. And at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel. <a href="/nasb/judges/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel. <a href="/nasb77/judges/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel. <a href="/lsb/judges/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> However, his father and mother did not know that it was of Yahweh, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel. <a href="/amp/judges/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> His father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD, and that He was seeking an occasion [to take action] against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel. <a href="/csb/judges/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who wanted the Philistines to provide an opportunity for a confrontation. At that time, the Philistines were ruling Israel. <a href="/hcsb/judges/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. At that time, the Philistines were ruling over Israel. <a href="/asv/judges/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of Jehovah; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel. <a href="/cev/judges/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> At that time, the Philistines were in control of Israel, and the LORD wanted to stir up trouble for them. That's why he made Samson desire that woman. <a href="/erv/judges/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel. <a href="/gwt/judges/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> His father and mother didn't know that the LORD was behind this. The LORD was looking for an opportunity to do something to the Philistines. (At that time the Philistines were ruling Israel.) <a href="/gnt/judges/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> His parents did not know that it was the LORD who was leading Samson to do this, for the LORD was looking for a chance to fight the Philistines. At this time the Philistines were ruling Israel. <a href="/isv/judges/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, his father and mother did not know that she was from the LORD, because he had been seeking a favorable opportunity concerning the Philistines, since the Philistines were dominating Israel at that time. <a href="/net/judges/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD's doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the Philistines (for at that time the Philistines were ruling Israel). <a href="/nheb/judges/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But his father and his mother did not know that it was of the LORD, for he sought for an opportunity against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel. <a href="/wbt/judges/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/judges/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> (Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.) <a href="/web/judges/14.htm">World English Bible</a> But his father and his mother didn’t know that it was of Yahweh; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines ruled over Israel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And his father and his mother have not known that it [is] from YHWH, that He is seeking a meeting of the Philistines; and the Philistines are ruling over Israel at that time. <a href="/ylt/judges/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And his father and his mother have not known that from Jehovah it is, that a meeting he is seeking of the Philistines; and at that time the Philistines are ruling over Israel. <a href="/slt/judges/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his father and his mother knew not that it was from Jehovah that he seeking an occasion from Philisteim; for in this time Philisteim was ruling over Israel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now his parents knew not that the thing was done by the Lord, and that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. <a href="/cpdv/judges/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now his parents did not know that the matter was done by the Lord, and that he sought an occasion against the Philistines. For at that time, the Philistines had dominion over Israel. <a href="/nabre/judges/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Now his father and mother did not know that this had been brought about by the LORD, who was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines; for at that time they ruled over Israel. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> His father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD; for he was seeking a pretext to act against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But his father and his mother did not know that it was of the LORD, that he might seek vengeance against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. <a href="/hpbt/judges/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And his father and his mother were not aware that she was from LORD JEHOVAH, so that a penalty would be required for bloodshed from the Philistines, and at that time the Philistines were authorized over Israel<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel. <a href="/sep/judges/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought to be revenged on the Philistines: and at that time the Philistines lorded it over Israel. <a href="/parallel/judges/14-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4238" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Samson's Marriage</a> …3But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.” 4<a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: wə·’ā·ḇîw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">(Now his father</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: wə·’im·mōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">and mother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">was from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū- (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·qêš (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">was seeking</a> <a href="/hebrew/8385.htm" title="8385: ṯō·’ă·nāh (N-fs) -- Occasion or time of copulation. Or tonanah; from 'anah; an opportunity or purpose.">an occasion to move</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: mip·pə·liš·tîm (Prep-m:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">against the Philistines;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hî (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">for at that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ū·ḇā·‘êṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">time</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: mō·šə·lîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">were ruling</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: bə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">over Israel.)</a> 5Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a> For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses. <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a> If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. <a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">1 Kings 12:15</a> So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. <a href="/2_chronicles/10-15.htm">2 Chronicles 10:15</a> So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from God, in order that the LORD might fulfill the word that He had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat. <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-7</a> Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. / But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ <a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Acts 2:23</a> He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. <a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Acts 4:27-28</a> In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Proverbs 16:4</a> The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster. <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a> Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. <a href="/jeremiah/25-9.htm">Jeremiah 25:9</a> behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. <a href="/jeremiah/27-6.htm">Jeremiah 27:6</a> So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a> All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.It was of the Lord.<a href="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a> For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.<a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">1 Kings 12:15</a> Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.<a href="/2_kings/6-33.htm">2 Kings 6:33</a> And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?had dominion<a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Judges 13:1</a> And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.<a href="/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-48.htm">Deuteronomy 28:48</a> Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/amos/9-10.htm">Confront</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/judges/5-13.htm">Dominion</a> <a href="/judges/11-28.htm">However</a> <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/11-34.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/judges/1-14.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/judges/14-3.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-17.htm">Parents</a> <a href="/judges/14-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/judges/13-12.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/judges/4-2.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/judges/4-22.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/joshua/2-22.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/judges/13-23.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">Confront</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-3.htm">Dominion</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">However</a> <a href="/judges/15-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-7.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/judges/14-9.htm">Parents</a> <a href="/judges/15-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/19-15.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-17.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-5.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/judges/18-1.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/judges/18-1.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 14</div>1. <a href="/judges/14-1.htm">Samson desires a wife of the Philistines.</a> 6. <a href="/judges/14-6.htm">In his journey he kills a lion</a> 8. <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">In a second journey he finds honey in the carcass</a> 10. <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Samson's marriage feast</a> 12. <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">His riddle by his wife is made known</a> 19. <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">He strikes down thirty Philistines</a> 20. <a href="/judges/14-20.htm">His wife is married to another.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD This phrase highlights the divine orchestration behind Samson's actions, unbeknownst to his parents. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty, where He uses even the flawed decisions of individuals to fulfill His purposes. This is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where God's plans are hidden from human understanding, such as Joseph's story in <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>, where what was meant for evil, God used for good. It also reflects the mystery of God's will, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>, where God's thoughts and ways are higher than human comprehension.who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines This indicates God's intention to use Samson as an instrument of judgment against the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel. The Philistines were a significant threat during this period, known for their advanced military technology, including iron weapons. This context is crucial for understanding the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in the Book of Judges. God's seeking an occasion suggests His proactive role in delivering Israel, similar to how He raised up other judges like Ehud and Deborah to deliver His people.for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel This provides the historical context of the narrative, where the Philistines had established dominance over Israel. The Philistine oppression is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, highlighting Israel's failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land (<a href="/judges/1-27.htm">Judges 1:27-36</a>). This period of Philistine rule is part of the larger cycle of disobedience and deliverance that characterizes the era of the judges. It sets the stage for Samson's role as a judge and deliverer, albeit a flawed one, pointing to the need for a perfect deliverer, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a> A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was set apart as a Nazirite from birth. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A group of people who were enemies of Israel. They occupied the land and often oppressed the Israelites during the time of the Judges. 3. <a href="/topical/t/timnah.htm">Timnah</a> A town in Philistine territory where Samson went to find a wife, which was against the traditional Israelite custom of marrying within their own people. 4. <a href="/topical/s/samson's_parents.htm">Samson's Parents</a> Manoah and his wife, who were initially hesitant about Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman, as it went against their cultural and religious norms. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The sovereign God of Israel, who had a divine plan that was unfolding through Samson's actions, even when they seemed contrary to His laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite human choices that seem contrary to God's commands, His sovereign plan prevails. Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman was part of God's plan to confront the Philistines. <a href="/topical/d/divine_purpose_in_unlikely_circumstances.htm">Divine Purpose in Unlikely Circumstances</a> God can use even our flawed decisions to fulfill His purposes. Samson's actions, though questionable, were used by God to begin delivering Israel from Philistine oppression. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god's_will.htm">The Importance of Seeking God's Will</a> While God can use our mistakes, it is crucial to seek His guidance and align our actions with His will to avoid unnecessary consequences. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_spiritual_discernment.htm">Cultural and Spiritual Discernment</a> Believers are called to discern cultural practices and relationships that may lead them away from God's commands, as seen in the tension between Samson's desires and Israelite law. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_greater_plan.htm">Trust in God's Greater Plan</a> Even when circumstances seem confusing or contrary to God's laws, trust that He is working out a greater plan for His glory and our good.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 14</a> <a href="/q/compare_samuel's_leadership_with_ot_priestly_roles..htm">How does Samuel's leadership in 1 Samuel 7 compare with conflicting narratives about priestly authority in other Old Testament books?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_samson's_marriage_align_with_deut._7.htm">How does Samson’s marriage to a Philistine (Judges 14:1–3) align with the prohibition on intermarriage in Deuteronomy 7:3–4?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_samson_touch_the_lion's_remains.htm">Why does Samson, who is under a Nazirite vow, freely handle the lion’s remains (Judges 14:8–9)? </a> <a href="/q/is_judges_4_14-15_myth_or_history.htm">Judges 4:14-15 credits God with routing Sisera's army--does this imply mythological embellishment rather than a purely historical account?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) That it was of the Lord.--All that can be meant is that in this marriage God was overruling the course of events to the furtherance of His own designs. He makes even the weakness and the fierceness of man redound to His praise. (Comp. <a href="/joshua/11-10.htm" title="And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.">Joshua 11:10</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/25-20.htm" title="But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.">2Chronicles 25:20</a>.) See the same phrase in the story of Rehoboam's folly (<a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm" title="Why the king listened not to the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.">1Kings 12:15</a>). "Behold this evil is of the Lord," says Elisha in <a href="/2_kings/6-33.htm" title="And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down to him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?">2Kings 6:33</a>. It is the strong sense of the Divine rule which we find even in heathen writers, so that in the very opening lines of Homer we find the poet saying, "that amid all the crimes and passions of men the counsel of Zeus was being accomplished.""Achilles' wrath, to Greece the direful springOf woes unnumbered, heavenly goddess sing:That wrath which hurled to Pluto's gloomy reign . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - It was of or from the Lord. It was the method decreed by God's providence for bringing about a rupture with the Philistines. That he sought. Rather, because he sought. The writer explains the purpose of the providence. It is doubtful whether "he" refers to Samson or to the Lord. Most commentators refer it to Samson; but it is contrary to the whole tenor of Samson's impetuous course, and to all probability, that he should have asked for the Timnathite damsel merely for the sake of quarreling with the Philistines; whereas the statement that Samson s obstinate determination to take a Philistine wife was the means which God's secret purpose had fixed upon for bringing about the eventual overthrow of the Philistine dominion is in exact accordance with other declarations of Holy Scripture (cf. e.g. <a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Exodus 7:3, 4</a>; <a href="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a>; <a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">1 Kings 12:15</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/10-15.htm">2 Chronicles 10:15</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/22-7.htm">2 Chronicles 22:7</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/25-20.htm">2 Chronicles 25:20</a>). An occasion. The noun only occurs here; but the verb, in its several conjugations, means, to happen at the right time; to bring a person or thing at the right time (<a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a>, deliver, A.V.); to be brought at the right time (<a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Proverbs 12:21</a>, happen, A.V.); to seek the right time for injuring any one (<a href="/2_kings/5-7.htm">2 Kings 5:7</a>, seeketh a quarrel, A.V. ). <a href="/commentaries/judges/14-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>(Now his father וְאָבִ֨יו (wə·’ā·ḇîw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father and mother וְאִמּ֜וֹ (wə·’im·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> A mother, ) did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no know יָדְע֗וּ (yā·ḏə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know this הִ֔יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was from כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the LORD, מֵיְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel who הֽוּא־ (hū-) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was seeking מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after an occasion to move תֹאֲנָ֥ה (ṯō·’ă·nāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8385.htm">Strong's 8385: </a> Occasion or time of copulation against the Philistines; מִפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (mip·pə·liš·tîm) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia for at that הַהִ֔יא (ha·hî) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time וּבָעֵ֣ת (ū·ḇā·‘êṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia were ruling מֹשְׁלִ֥ים (mō·šə·lîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> To rule, have dominion, reign over Israel.) בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/14-4.htm">OT History: Judges 14:4 But his father and his mother didn't (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/14-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 14:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 14:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/14-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 14:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 14:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>