Samson's Marriage

Q: Was it the Lord that prompted Samson to marry a non-Israelite woman?

A: The verse in question is Judges 14:4 - "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."

This verse is one of many in the Bible showing that God turns the evil
desires and acts of men to His own purpose. The parents of Samson knew
that it was wrong on a personal basis for Samson to marry a
Philistine--although from my research I do not find a specific command
concerning marriage to the Philistines (Deuteronomy 7:1-3 refers to other
Canaanite nations). However, God would use his act of rebellion and lust
to His own end. God would use it to create conflict with the Philistines.

If this seems impossible, consider Genesis 50:20. The brothers of Joseph
in unrighteous hatred sold him as a slave. Yet, years later Joseph
testified, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it
unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people
alive." This does not mean that the brothers did not sin in selling
Joseph. It means that God would use their sin for a higher purpose.

These verses do not lessen the righteousness of God or His demands for
holiness. Neither do they excuse men for sin. What they show is that man
cannot help fulfilling the will of God in one way or another. The
accomplishment of God's greater will is not dependent upon the
cooperation of man. If this seems impossible, consider Psalm 76:10 -
"Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt
thou restrain." God states that the wrath of man will give praise to God.
Any wrath that will not bring praise to God will be restrained. God will
get the glory no matter what.

Our choice is not whether or not the things we do turn to the glory of
God. No matter what we do, God will get the glory--even if that glory is
in proving His righteousness by judging our sin. Our decisions have to do
with whether or not we take part of that glory in a good way.

To use the events in the life of Samson as a pattern to follow is a
dangerous plan. Yes, God got the glory and accomplished His will, but
what happened in the life of Samson? If Samson had been submissive to the
will of God and close to the Lord, could not the Lord have found a way
that would bring a blessing to Samson? You see, in the end all men will
fulfill the will of God. The question is, how will they do it? Will they
do it willingly and receive a blessing and a reward? Or, will they
fulfill God's will in their rebellion to Him and suffer the consequences?
I hope this helps.

Till He comes,

Pastor David Reagan

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