Why did God allow a widow to marry her brother in law?

The concept of a widow marrying her brother-in-law, known as levirate marriage, is a practice rooted in ancient Israelite customs and is codified in the Mosaic Law. This practice, although seemingly unusual by modern standards, was an essential part of the social and familial structures in ancient Israel.

Levirate marriage was designed to preserve the family lineage, ensure the protection and provision of the widow, and maintain the inheritance within the family. In this study, we will explore the biblical basis for levirate marriage, the reasons why God allowed it, and its implications within the broader narrative of Scripture. All references will be taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

The Biblical Basis for Levirate Marriage

Levirate marriage is explicitly outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where the law provides detailed instructions on how this practice should be carried out:

“If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.”

“But if the man does not want to take his brother’s wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the gate to the elders, and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to raise up a name to his brother in Israel; he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother.’ Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him.”

“But if he stands firm and says, ‘I do not want to take her,’ then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and answer and say, ‘So shall it be done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.’ And his name shall be called in Israel, ‘The house of him who had his sandal removed.'” (Deuteronomy 25:5-10, NKJV)

In this passage, the law outlines the responsibility of the brother-in-law (known as the levir) to marry the widow and produce offspring in the name of his deceased brother. The primary purpose of this practice was to ensure that the deceased brother’s name and lineage were preserved and that his property remained within the family.

Reasons Why God Allowed Levirate Marriage

To understand why God allowed levirate marriage, it is essential to consider the cultural, social, and theological contexts in which this practice was established. Several key reasons can be identified:

1. Preservation of Family Lineage and Inheritance

One of the most critical reasons for levirate marriage was the preservation of the deceased man’s lineage and inheritance. In ancient Israel, maintaining the family name and inheritance was of utmost importance. The land was a sacred trust given by God to the tribes of Israel, and it was meant to be passed down from generation to generation within the family.

The concept of inheritance in Israel was closely tied to God’s covenant promises. The land was not merely a piece of property but a tangible symbol of God’s blessing and faithfulness to His people. Therefore, the loss of a family line or the transfer of land outside the family would have been seen as a significant loss, not just for the family but for the entire community.

Levirate marriage ensured that the deceased man’s name and inheritance were preserved within the family. The firstborn son of the levirate marriage would carry the name of the deceased brother, thereby continuing his lineage and securing his inheritance. This practice helped maintain the integrity of the tribal and familial structures in Israel, which were essential to the nation’s identity and relationship with God.

2. Protection and Provision for the Widow

In the ancient Near East, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society. Without a husband or male protector, a widow could easily fall into poverty, exploitation, or social marginalization. The Mosaic Law, however, provided various protections for widows, ensuring that they were not left destitute or without support.

Levirate marriage was one such provision. By requiring the brother-in-law to marry the widow, the law ensured that she would have a home, protection, and provision. The brother-in-law was obligated to take responsibility for her welfare, thus preventing her from being abandoned or left in a precarious situation.

This practice reflects God’s concern for justice and care for the vulnerable. The law of levirate marriage is part of a broader biblical theme of God’s special care for widows, orphans, and the marginalized. As Psalm 68:5 declares:

“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5, NKJV)

By allowing and regulating levirate marriage, God provided a practical means for widows to be cared for and protected within the community.

3. Maintenance of Tribal Identity and Social Order

In ancient Israel, tribal identity was crucial to the nation’s structure and governance. Each tribe was responsible for its members, and the land allotted to each tribe was to remain within the tribe. The loss of a family line could lead to the fragmentation of tribal lands and the weakening of the tribe’s social and economic stability.

Levirate marriage helped maintain tribal identity by ensuring that land and lineage were preserved within the tribe. The practice prevented the dispersal of family property and helped maintain the cohesion of the tribe. This was particularly important in a society where land ownership was directly tied to one’s identity and standing within the community.

The law of levirate marriage also promoted social order by providing a clear and structured way to address the issue of a childless widow. Without such a provision, disputes over inheritance and property could arise, leading to social instability and conflict. The law provided a mechanism to resolve these issues in a way that was fair and just for all parties involved.

4. Fulfillment of God’s Covenant Promises

The practice of levirate marriage is also connected to the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God’s promise to Abraham included the blessing of numerous descendants and the possession of the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:2-3; 15:5-7). These promises were central to Israel’s identity and relationship with God.

Levirate marriage ensured that the promises of descendants and land were not lost, even in the face of death and barrenness. By allowing the continuation of the family line through the levirate marriage, God provided a means for His covenant promises to be fulfilled. The birth of a child through this union was seen as a sign of God’s blessing and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances.

Examples of Levirate Marriage in the Bible

Several examples of levirate marriage or related customs appear in the Bible, providing insight into how this practice was understood and applied in different contexts.

1. The Story of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4)

Another significant example of levirate marriage, or a related custom, is found in the book of Ruth. Ruth, a Moabite widow, returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband. Naomi, recognizing the importance of securing a future for Ruth, instructed her to seek out Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, as a potential redeemer.

Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, took on the responsibility of marrying Ruth and raising offspring in the name of her deceased husband. The marriage of Ruth and Boaz resulted in the birth of Obed, who became the grandfather of King David. This lineage is significant because it ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3.

The story of Ruth and Boaz illustrates the redemptive nature of levirate marriage and its role in God’s overarching plan of salvation. Through this union, God preserved the lineage of David and fulfilled His covenant promises to Israel.

2. The Sadducees’ Question to Jesus (Matthew 22:23-33)

In the New Testament, the practice of levirate marriage is referenced in a conversation between Jesus and the Sadducees. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, posed a hypothetical question to Jesus about a woman who married seven brothers in succession, each of whom died without leaving children. They asked Jesus whose wife she would be in the resurrection.

Jesus responded by challenging the Sadducees’ understanding of the resurrection and marriage in the age to come:

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.'” (Matthew 22:29-30, NKJV)

While this passage does not directly address the practice of levirate marriage, it highlights the theological significance of marriage and family in the context of God’s eternal purposes. Jesus’ response points to the reality that earthly institutions, such as marriage, have a different significance in the resurrection life.

Theological and Moral Considerations

The practice of levirate marriage raises several theological and moral considerations that are worth exploring.

1. The Sanctity of Family and Lineage

Levirate marriage underscores the importance of family and lineage in the biblical worldview. The preservation of the family name and inheritance was not merely a social custom but was deeply connected to the covenant promises of God. The family was seen as the primary unit through which God’s blessings and promises were transmitted from generation to generation.

This emphasis on family and lineage can be seen in the genealogies of the Bible, which trace the lineage of key figures such as Abraham, David, and Jesus. The continuation of the family line was essential for the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

2. The Role of Law in Protecting the Vulnerable

Levirate marriage is an example of how the Mosaic Law provided protection and justice for the vulnerable, particularly widows. The law recognized the potential for widows to be left without support and took steps to ensure their welfare. By obligating the brother-in-law to marry the widow, the law provided a means for her to be cared for and protected.

This reflects a broader biblical principle that God’s law is designed to promote justice and care for the marginalized. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God is portrayed as a defender of the vulnerable, and His people are called to reflect His character in their treatment of others.

Conclusion

The practice of levirate marriage, where a widow marries her brother-in-law to preserve her deceased husband’s lineage, was an integral part of the social and legal structure of ancient Israel. This practice, as outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, served multiple purposes: preserving family lineage and inheritance, protecting and providing for widows, maintaining tribal identity and social order, and fulfilling God’s covenant promises.

Levirate marriage reflects God’s concern for justice, care for the vulnerable, and the preservation of His covenant people. While this practice was specific to the cultural context of ancient Israel, its underlying principles of justice, family, and redemption continue to resonate in the broader biblical narrative.

Through the lens of Scripture, levirate marriage reveals the depth of God’s commitment to His covenant and His care for those who are often overlooked or marginalized. It points to the greater reality of God’s redemptive plan, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer who secures an eternal inheritance for all who trust in Him.

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