What is the purpose of the narrator’s reference to the ignorance of Samson's parents?

The note in Judges 14:4 that Samson’s parents did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines, is the key to this chapter, and indeed the entire Samson narrative. The narrator here gives the theological explanation of Samson’s activity. The ignorance of Samson’s parents is a crucial point in this. Even though they were of course fully aware of his special calling from day one, they are so insensitive to the workings of the Lord in his life here, and also in other elements of his life (see Judges 14:6, Judges 14:9, Judges 14:16). The author, however, is sensitive, and therefore reminds the reader that God is at work. The Timnite woman was from the Lord. Samson’s sinful pursuit of her was planned by the Lord. Left to himself, Samson would never have become involved in God’s or Israel’s agenda, and the Israelites would have continued to coexist with the Philistines. But the Lord must shatter the status quo. The only way to get his chosen tool Samson riled up enough to do his job of fighting the Philistines is to get him involved with them.¹ The Lord would use Samson’s sinful desires to accomplish his purposes. The text literally says his father and mother did not know that she was from the Lord. This Philistine woman would be the means God would use to stir up Samson to begin a conflict with the Philistines.