Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, Do not intermarry with them.This command is given to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The "them" refers to the Canaanite nations inhabiting the land. The prohibition against intermarriage is rooted in the concern for religious purity and the prevention of idolatry. Historically, intermarriage with pagan nations often led to the Israelites adopting foreign gods and practices, as seen in the accounts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-4) and the period of the Judges (Judges 3:5-6). The command underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes. Exo 34:15-16 Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land,… Do not give your daughters to their sons This phrase emphasizes the active role of the Israelite community in preventing intermarriage. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marriages were often arranged by families, and daughters were given in marriage as part of alliances or social contracts. By prohibiting the giving of daughters to Canaanite sons, the Israelites were to avoid forming alliances that could lead to spiritual compromise. This reflects a broader biblical theme of separation from ungodly influences, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which warns against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers. Neh 13:25-27 I rebuked them and called down curses on them.… or take their daughters for your sons, The reciprocal nature of the command highlights the equal importance of both sides of the marriage equation. Taking Canaanite daughters for Israelite sons would similarly introduce foreign religious practices into Israelite households. This concern for spiritual integrity is echoed in Ezra 9-10 and Nehemiah 13, where the post-exilic community addresses the issue of intermarriage with foreign women. The command serves as a type of Christ's call for His followers to remain pure and devoted, as the Church is often depicted as the bride of Christ, called to be holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-27). Gen 24:3-4 I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are being prepared to enter and take possession of Canaan. 3. Canaanites The inhabitants of the land of Canaan, whom the Israelites are instructed not to intermarry with. 4. Promised Land (Canaan) The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. God's Covenant The divine agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes laws and commandments to maintain holiness and distinctiveness. Teaching Points Holiness and SeparationGod calls His people to be holy and separate from practices that lead to idolatry and spiritual compromise. This command is about maintaining a distinct identity as God's people. Guarding Against Idolatry Intermarriage with those who do not share the same faith can lead to a dilution of beliefs and practices, drawing believers away from God. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites were to obey God's commands as a demonstration of their covenant relationship with Him. Obedience is a sign of love and commitment to God. Spiritual Compatibility In relationships, especially marriage, spiritual compatibility is crucial. Believers are encouraged to seek partners who share their faith and values. Cultural Influence The passage warns against the influence of surrounding cultures that do not honor God. Believers are to be in the world but not of the world, maintaining their distinctiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. What are the potential spiritual dangers of intermarriage with those who do not share the same faith, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 7:3?2. How does the command in Deuteronomy 7:3 relate to the New Testament teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14 about being unequally yoked? 3. In what ways can believers today apply the principle of maintaining spiritual purity in their relationships and interactions with the world? 4. How did Solomon's disobedience to the command in Deuteronomy 7:3 affect his relationship with God, and what can we learn from his example? 5. What steps can individuals and communities take to ensure they remain faithful to God's commands in a culturally diverse and pluralistic society? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:16Warns against intermarriage with the Canaanites, emphasizing the risk of being led into idolatry. 1 Kings 11:1-4 Describes Solomon's marriages to foreign women and how they led him away from God. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Advises believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, echoing the principle of maintaining spiritual purity. Ezra 9:1-2 Details the consequences of intermarriage with foreign nations and the resulting unfaithfulness to God. Nehemiah 13:23-27 Nehemiah's response to intermarriage among the Israelites, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Daughter, Daughters, Furthermore, Giving, Husbands, Intermarry, Join, Marriage, Marriages, Sons, Taking, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 7:1-4 6030 sin, avoidance 1310 God, as judge 7258 promised land, early history 6512 salvation, necessity and basis 5711 marriage, restrictions Library God's Faithfulness'Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.'--DEUT. vii. 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This leads to a double signification--(1) trustworthy, and that because (2) rigidly observant of obligations. So the word applies to a steward, a friend, or a witness. Its most wonderful and sublime application is to God. It presents to … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Match-Making. The First Covenant That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Why all Things Work for Good John's Introduction. The Holiness of God The Covenant of Grace Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 7:3 NIVDeuteronomy 7:3 NLT Deuteronomy 7:3 ESV Deuteronomy 7:3 NASB Deuteronomy 7:3 KJV Deuteronomy 7:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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