Judges 14:4But 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 had rule over Israel.
The setting
The narrator pulls back the curtain to reveal God's hidden purpose behind Samson's controversial marriage choice. The Philistines controlled Israel through tribute and military dominance.
The emotion here: reverent awe at God's mysterious sovereignty
The original word
to'anah (תֹּאֲנָה) — occasion, opportunity for conflict or legal complaint
Why it matters
The Philistines had iron weapons while Israel was still in the Bronze Age
Read with care
What most readers miss in Judges 14:4
God used Samson's weakness for women as a weapon against Israel's oppressors
Common misconceptionPeople think God endorsed Samson's lust, but God was using Samson's character flaws to accomplish deliverance — God can use our weaknesses without approving them.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Judges 14:4
Bible Genome reading
Judges 14:4 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Judges 14:4 comes from the book of Judges, written during the judges period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include divine sovereignty, hidden purposes. Notable phrases: it was of Yahweh.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Judges 14:4 mean to you, today?
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