Topical Bible: Brother: Brother's Widow--Law Concerning--Levirate Marriage of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of levirate marriage is rooted in ancient Israelite customs and is detailed in the Mosaic Law. The term "levirate" is derived from the Latin word "levir," meaning "brother-in-law." This practice is primarily outlined in the Old Testament and serves as a means to preserve family lineage and provide for widows.

Biblical Foundation

The primary biblical reference for levirate marriage is found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states:

"If brothers dwell together and one of them dies without having a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel."

This law was instituted to ensure that the deceased brother's name and inheritance would continue through his offspring. It also provided social and economic protection for the widow, who might otherwise be left destitute.

Cultural and Social Context

In ancient Israel, family lineage and inheritance were of paramount importance. The levirate marriage served as a mechanism to maintain the family structure and property within the tribe. The practice underscored the communal responsibility to care for widows and uphold the family name.

Procedure and Exceptions

The procedure for levirate marriage involved the brother-in-law marrying the widow and producing offspring in the name of the deceased brother. However, the law also provided a provision for refusal. If the brother-in-law was unwilling to marry the widow, a formal process known as "halitzah" was conducted. Deuteronomy 25:7-9 describes this process:

"But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and declare, 'My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.' Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, 'I do not want to marry her,' his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and declare, 'This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.'"

This act of removing the sandal and spitting was a public declaration of the brother-in-law's refusal and a release of the widow from her obligation to marry him.

Notable Biblical Examples

The account of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38 provides a narrative example of levirate marriage. Tamar, the widow of Judah's son Er, was promised to Judah's other son, Shelah, but was not given to him in marriage. Tamar's actions to secure her rights and continue the family line highlight the significance of this practice.

Another example is found in the Book of Ruth, where Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon. While not a direct levirate marriage, the principles of family loyalty and redemption are evident.

Theological Implications

Levirate marriage reflects the broader biblical themes of family, covenant, and redemption. It underscores the importance of community responsibility and the protection of vulnerable individuals within society. The practice also foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who fulfills the law and provides eternal inheritance for believers.

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Deuteronomy 25:5-10
If brothers dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without to a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in to her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother to her.
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Matthew 22:24
Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
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Mark 12:19
Master, Moses wrote to us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
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Luke 20:28
Saying, Master, Moses wrote to us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
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