Marry your Sister-in-Law?
Family Matters!
Deuteronomy 25:5-6 (NLT)
“If two brothers are living together on the same property and one of them dies without a son, his widow may not be married to anyone from outside the family. Instead, her husband’s brother should marry her and have intercourse with her to fulfill the duties of a brother-in-law. 6 The first son she bears to him will be considered the son of the dead brother, so that his name will not be forgotten in Israel." Deuteronomy 25:5-6 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Why would Moses command a guy to marry his sister-in-law? Family matters!!!!
Moses commanded men that if a brother dies a man must marry his brother’s widow and bear a son with her. Doing so insured that their property would stay in the family and that widows were taken care of.
Later verses say that if a man refuses this obligation, he must be publically humiliated.
The principle behind this is “social security”, taking care of family. In Mark 7 Jesus criticizes the spiritual leaders because they chose to give to the temple instead of taking care of their parents, thereby breaking the 5th commandment.
In the third world social security is sought by having bunches of children who would hopefully provide for parents in old age. In America social security is sought from the government and 401k’s. In Christianity we are told we are our brother’s keeper. There are lot’s old folks, orphans, widows, and many others who easily fall through the cracks. Judeo Christianity set itself apart from all other systems of the ancient world by building into it’s core values care for the weak.
How does your life reflect this responsibility?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
It us my understanding that the Jewish people had a thing about lineage and to break that meant death to a family member or branch of family though they were still living. Those who "died" were cut off from their people and would believe that also meant being cut off from the blessings of God's people. The practice mentioned here would allow for that branch not to "die" but to continue as part of that family/lineage though that husband had actually died. To resist being part of keeping life in that family line, well it is stated in this Scripture the outcome. So what does that mean to us today? Here in the U. S. our laws would not permit multiple wives (though some religions still try to practice this here). However, it would seem appropriate to "adopt" a family who has lost the husband/father and help where God has blessed us in abundance. Like the Big Brother/Sister organization helps those who need a father, brother, mother or sister figure in that family.
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