Topical Bible: Marriage: The Jews: Considered Being Debarred From, a Reproach

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In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, marriage was not only a social institution but also a divine ordinance, deeply embedded in the fabric of Jewish life. The Hebrew Scriptures present marriage as a covenantal relationship, reflecting the covenant between God and His people. Consequently, being debarred from marriage was often viewed as a significant reproach and a deviation from the normative expectations of Jewish society.

Biblical Context and Cultural Significance

Marriage in Jewish tradition was seen as a fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). It was a means of ensuring the continuation of the family line and the preservation of the tribal and national identity of Israel. The importance of marriage is underscored in various biblical narratives and laws, which emphasize the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives.

Reproach of Being Debarred from Marriage

In the Scriptures, being unable to marry or being debarred from marriage could be perceived as a reproach or a source of shame. This is evident in the cultural expectations surrounding marriage and childbearing. For instance, in the account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, her initial barrenness brought her deep distress and social reproach, as she was unable to fulfill the expected role of a wife and mother (1 Samuel 1:6-7).

The stigma associated with being unmarried or childless is further illustrated in the prophetic literature. In Isaiah 4:1 , the prophet describes a time of judgment when "seven women will take hold of one man" to remove their disgrace, highlighting the societal pressure and reproach associated with not being married.

Levitical Laws and Restrictions

Certain Levitical laws also imposed restrictions on marriage, which could result in individuals being debarred from marrying within the community. For example, priests were given specific guidelines regarding whom they could marry, as seen in Leviticus 21:13-14 , where it states that a priest must marry a virgin from his own people. These restrictions were intended to maintain the holiness and purity of the priestly line.

Additionally, the laws concerning levirate marriage, as outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 , reflect the importance of marriage in preserving family lineage. If a man died without having children, his brother was expected to marry the widow to produce offspring in the deceased brother's name. Refusal to fulfill this duty was considered a disgrace, as indicated by the public act of removing the sandal and spitting in the face of the one who refused (Deuteronomy 25:9-10).

Prophetic and Wisdom Literature

The prophetic and wisdom literature of the Old Testament also reflects the view that being debarred from marriage was undesirable. In Jeremiah 16:2 , the prophet is commanded not to marry or have children in the land, symbolizing the impending judgment and desolation. This command underscores the gravity of being without family ties in a society where marriage was integral to personal and communal identity.

In the wisdom literature, Proverbs extols the virtues of a good wife and the blessings of a harmonious marriage (Proverbs 18:22, 31:10-31). The absence of such a relationship could be seen as a lack of divine favor and a deviation from the ideal life envisioned in these texts.

Conclusion

The Jewish understanding of marriage as a divine institution and a societal norm meant that being debarred from marriage was often viewed as a reproach. This perspective is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting the cultural and religious significance of marriage in ancient Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 4:1
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... knowledge of their own souls, or considered the gravity ... and ineffectual sacrifices
of the Jews with the ... encouraged abstinence from a second marriage: and many ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... effect upon the soul, [644]61; not considered an evil ... to one place, [1021]310; hid
from the Jews, [1022]311 ... 1064]389; permitted in a sort in marriage, [1065]389 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... that until I came to the state of marriage, I was ... that died by the hands of the Jews,
come again ... So I considered David's adultery, and murder, and found them ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Church Abuses.
... of rural deans, the regulating of marriage licences, the ... clearly right in doing,
the Jews' Naturalisation Bill. ... What would now be considered the most ordinary ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... until I came to the state of marriage, I was ... me the less; especially when I considered,
that though it ... doth think his own religion rightest, both Jews and Moors ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage: neither can ... whom he hath called,
not of the Jews only, but ... of God; but such hath not considered, that God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... be understood, so also she is to be considered more particularly ... or, 3. With reference
to her being recovered again ... to the carrying away of the Jews from their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm