In Judges, chapter fourteen, verse four, the statement does not mean God initiated Samson’s intention to marry an unbeliever. Samson was motivated by his desire to seek marital companionship with those outside God’s people. However, God did not use the sin of Samson as an occasion to accomplish His purpose against the Philistines.
The verse is arguably the most significant statement in Samson’s entire story. It is both confusing and comforting. However, it also helps to explain why someone designated for service to God so often acted ungodly. God’s plan to make Samson demonstrate for His purposes included leveraging Samson’s rebellion and foolishness. Samson could not escape God’s will for his life by disobeying God’s commands. Still, this does not mean God blessed him “for” his sin. Samson lived a chaotic and scandalous life and later suffered greatly from his mistakes in Judges sixteen, verse twenty-one.
Still, during these times of unrest, however, neither Samson nor his parents knew God’s plan. They did not see how Samson’s stubborn, rebellious foolishness would create an opportunity for victory over the Philistines oppressing Israel. God does find what He seeks and always does: even when His people make wrong choices. He will use Samson’s rebellion to begin to end the era of the Philistines. Samuel, a judge-turned-prophet, will be the one to complete this task as in First Samuel seven, twelve through fourteen.
Samson demanded his parents arrange his marriage to a specific Philistine woman. They have objected, saying he should marry an Israelite woman instead of allying with the uncircumcised Philistines. He stubbornly refused, and they will comply as he did in Judges fourteen, verse five. There are many potential believers in society. However, what holds unbelievers back from knowing God is their stubbornness to resist sin and worldly pleasures.