Chronological Reading Plan
Judges 11:29-15:20
Focus Verse:
Judges 14:4 “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.”
Observation:
Samson’s life is a narrative illustrating how our sovereign God uses the personality, education, and talents of someone to accomplish His will whether or not they are living righteously. Samson was consecrated to the Lord, but he certainly did not live as one consecrated. He was a boisterous, arrogant and vengeful. And, yet, God used his flawed personality and immoral behavior to bring about His purposes. That purpose was to begin a deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines. The translators seem to have taken liberty with this verse in asserting that it was God who was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. But the masculine pronoun seems to be referring to Samson. From the previous sentence he made a request of his parents to get a daughter of Timnah for his bride because she was hot. Samson had no other standards obviously. The translators interpretation does not seem to make sense given the context. Also the pronoun translated “it” is feminine.
Interpretation:
Samson’s father and mother did not know that the daughter of the Philistines was from the Lord, for Samson was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.
Application:
Samson’s parents ignorance of the workings of God exemplifies the consequences of the sustained disconnect between God and His people. When we disengage from fellowship with our God, we fail to correctly recognize His workings. God used Samson’s desire and schemes to accomplish His purposes. Samson’s unrighteous desire illustrated Israel’s willingness to disregard God’s law, for marriage to Canaanite women was forbidden. God’s sovereign will will be accomplished through us or in spite of us. Whether we choose to acknowledge His moral will determines whether we are blessed or cursed in the process.
Crave 
WOW! Great post. This topic is discussed over and over in leadership but I think you hit the nail on the head. God’s purpose. He uses whom He chooses when He chooses. We are just along for the ride. Thanks for the insight!