Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the prohibition against a daughter becoming the wife of her mother's husband is rooted in the broader Levitical laws concerning sexual morality and familial relationships. These laws are part of the Holiness Code found in the Book of Leviticus, which outlines various statutes intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural reference for this prohibition is found in Leviticus 18:17, which states: "You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and thus expose her nakedness; they are close relatives. It is wickedness." . This verse explicitly forbids a man from marrying or having sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter, emphasizing the close familial ties and the moral corruption such an act would entail. Moral and Theological Implications The prohibition against a daughter becoming the wife of her mother's husband is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of family integrity and sexual purity. The family unit is seen as a foundational element of society, and any actions that disrupt or corrupt this unit are viewed as offenses against God's ordained order. The act of marrying or engaging in sexual relations with both a mother and her daughter is considered an abomination, as it violates the sanctity of familial relationships and introduces confusion and disorder into the family structure. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, familial relationships were governed by strict codes of conduct to maintain social order and religious purity. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were called to adhere to a higher standard of holiness, distinguishing themselves from the surrounding nations. The Levitical laws served as a guide to ensure that the Israelites lived in a manner that reflected God's holiness and righteousness. Legal and Social Ramifications The violation of this prohibition would have had significant legal and social consequences in ancient Israel. Such an act would not only bring shame and dishonor upon the individuals involved but also upon the community as a whole. The community was responsible for upholding God's laws, and any breach of these laws required appropriate measures to restore purity and order. The prescribed penalties for sexual immorality, including this specific prohibition, were severe, underscoring the seriousness with which these laws were regarded. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not explicitly reiterate this specific prohibition, the principles of sexual morality and the sanctity of marriage are upheld throughout its teachings. The apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and the need for believers to avoid any form of sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 5:1, Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, highlighting the need for the church to maintain moral integrity: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife." . This passage reflects the continuity of the moral principles established in the Old Testament. Conclusion The biblical prohibition against a daughter becoming the wife of her mother's husband is a clear directive aimed at preserving the sanctity and integrity of the family unit. It reflects the broader biblical themes of holiness, purity, and the proper ordering of relationships within the community of God's people. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 20:14And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you. Nave's Topical Index Library Letter clx. To Diodorus. The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Letter cxvii. To a Mother and Daughter Living in Gaul. Letter cvii. To Laeta. Letter xxxix. To Paula. Knox and Queen Mary, 1561 The Domestic Relation. Biographical Sketch. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Resources What does the Bible mean when it refers to a “Daughter of Zion”? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jephthah sacrifice his daughter to the Lord? | GotQuestions.org In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son? | GotQuestions.org Daughter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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