Topical Bible: Children: Illegitimate: Despised by Their Brethren

◄ Children: Illegitimate: Despised by Their Brethren ►

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In biblical times, the status of children born out of wedlock, often referred to as "illegitimate," carried significant social and spiritual implications. These children frequently faced societal stigma and were often despised or marginalized by their brethren and community.

Jephthah: An Example of Rejection

One of the most notable examples of an illegitimate child in the Bible is Jephthah, the son of Gilead. His account is recounted in the Book of Judges. Jephthah was born to Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers. The Bible records their disdain and exclusion of Jephthah from the family inheritance:

"Then Gilead’s wife bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away, saying, 'You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, because you are the son of another woman.'" (Judges 11:2)

Despite this rejection, Jephthah later became a mighty warrior and was called upon by the elders of Gilead to lead them in battle against the Ammonites. His account illustrates how God can use those whom society has marginalized for His purposes.

Cultural and Legal Context

In the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel, illegitimacy was often associated with shame and exclusion. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the status of illegitimate children. Deuteronomy 23:2 states:

"No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation." (Deuteronomy 23:2)

This law highlights the significant barriers faced by illegitimate children in participating fully in the religious and communal life of Israel. The exclusion from the assembly of the LORD underscored the perceived impurity and social stigma attached to their birth status.

Spiritual Implications and Redemption

While the Old Testament law imposed restrictions on illegitimate children, the broader narrative of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan for all people, regardless of their birth status. The New Testament emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers through Christ. Galatians 3:28 declares:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

This message of unity and acceptance in Christ offers hope and redemption to those who have been marginalized or despised due to circumstances of birth. The transformative power of the Gospel provides a new identity and belonging within the family of God.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative acknowledges the challenges faced by illegitimate children in ancient Israel, yet it also points to the overarching theme of God's grace and redemption. Through the examples of individuals like Jephthah and the teachings of the New Testament, Scripture reveals a God who values and redeems all people, offering them a place in His eternal family.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 11:2
And Gilead's wife bore him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said to him, You shall not inherit in our father's house; for you are the son of a strange woman.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Conclusion.
... If the illegitimate son of a Bengalese peasant hanged by ... our own land, would give
the despised and unpopular ... They begin with being children in the tableaux and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter x conclusion.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... left behind them a, either legitimate or illegitimate, son there ... Still they were
not to be despised, and contained ... figures there among the children of Seti I. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFE AND CHILDREN,
THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIRED COUNTRY. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm