Topical Encyclopedia Incest, defined as sexual relations between closely related individuals, is explicitly addressed in the Bible, particularly within the context of the laws given to the people of Israel. The Mosaic Law, as recorded in the Old Testament, provides clear prohibitions against incestuous relationships, reflecting the moral and social standards expected of the Israelites.Biblical Prohibitions The primary biblical text addressing incest is found in Leviticus 18, where God commands the Israelites through Moses to abstain from various forms of sexual immorality, including incest. Leviticus 18:6 states, "None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD." This command is followed by a detailed list of prohibited relationships, including those with one's mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, aunt, uncle, and other close kin (Leviticus 18:7-18). The seriousness of these prohibitions is underscored by the penalties associated with violating them. Leviticus 20:11-12 prescribes severe consequences: "If a man lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness. Both of them must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them." Historical Context The laws against incest were given to the Israelites as part of their covenant relationship with God. These laws served to distinguish the Israelites from the surrounding nations, many of which engaged in practices that were considered abominable by biblical standards. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes, and adherence to these laws was a reflection of their commitment to God's holiness. Notable Biblical Incidents Despite the clear prohibitions, the Bible records several instances of incest among the people of Israel, often highlighting the negative consequences of such actions. One of the earliest examples is the account of Lot and his daughters in Genesis 19:30-38. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's daughters, believing they were the last people on earth, intoxicated their father and committed incest with him, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ben-Ammi, ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites. Another significant incident is the case of Amnon and Tamar, recorded in 2 Samuel 13. Amnon, a son of King David, developed an illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar and ultimately violated her. This act of incest led to familial strife and violence, as Tamar's brother Absalom avenged her by killing Amnon. Moral and Theological Implications The biblical prohibitions against incest reflect a broader theological and moral framework that values family integrity, purity, and the sanctity of relationships. Incest is seen as a violation of the natural order established by God and a corruption of the familial bonds intended to reflect His covenantal love and faithfulness. In the New Testament, while the specific term "incest" is not frequently mentioned, the call to sexual purity and the upholding of moral standards remain central to Christian teaching. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 5, addresses a case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, where a man was living with his father's wife. Paul condemns this behavior and calls for church discipline, emphasizing the need for holiness within the Christian community. The biblical stance on incest, as articulated in the laws given to the people of Israel, continues to inform Christian ethics and the understanding of family relationships within a biblical worldview. Nave's Topical Index Amos 2:7That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in to the same maid, to profane my holy name: Nave's Topical Index Library Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. The Preface to the Commandments The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... They Shall be Called the Children of God In Judaea Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... Chapter xliii The Fourth Commandment The Second Book Resources Why did Lot offer up his daughters to be gang raped? Why did God allow Lot's daughters to later have sex with their father? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Cain's wife? | GotQuestions.org Can a child who is conceived out of wedlock be saved? | GotQuestions.org Incest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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