MARRIAGE AND LEVIRATE LAW
The concept of Levirate marriage is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, once posed a challenging question to Jesus regarding this practice, as recorded in the Gospels. They referenced Deuteronomy 25:5-10, stating, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies without children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up descendants for his brother.’”
The Law of Levirate Marriage
The law of Levirate marriage is explicitly stated in Deuteronomy 25:5-6: “When brothers live together, and one of them dies and has no son, his wife shall not marry outside to a stranger. 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.”
The primary purpose of this command was to ensure the continuation of the deceased brother’s name and lineage within Israel. This custom also served to protect the widow, providing her with security and a place within the family. If the surviving brother refused to marry the widow, there were specific repercussions:
“But if the man doesn’t want to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel. He will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. If he stands and says, ‘I don’t want to take her,’ then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, and loose his sandal from off his foot, spit in his face, and answer, ‘So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house.’ His name shall be called in Israel, ‘The house of him who had his sandal removed’” (Deut 25:7-10).
Jesus’ Response to the Sadducees
When the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, questioned Jesus about a hypothetical situation where a woman married seven brothers in succession (all of whom died), they aimed to ridicule the concept of resurrection. Jesus’ response was profound and enlightening, shedding light on the nature of life after death.
Jesus said, “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 God’s angels in heaven” (Mt 22:29-30). This statement by Jesus emphasizes that the earthly institution of marriage does not apply in the same way in the resurrection. The resurreced life transcends earthly social structures and relationships. Jesus highlighted the transformative power of resurrection life, where believers will be like angels, immortal and beyond the confines of earthly customs.
REFLECTION
The teaching on Levirate marriage underscores the importance of family, lineage, and the preservation of one’s name within the community of Israel. It also illustrates the provision for widows and the responsibility of family members to care for one another.
Jesus’ clarification to the Sadducees reveals a deeper spiritual truth about the resurrection and eternal life. It redirects the focus from earthly institutions to heavenly reality, where believers will experience a transformed existence.
For Christians today, this passage provides valuable lessons on faith, responsibility, and the hope of resurrection. It calls us to reflect on the eternal nature of our relationship with God and each other. As believers, we are encouraged to live with the hope of resurrection, where earthly struggles and social structures will be transcended by the glory of eternal life.
Moreover, it reminds us of our duty to care for and support our family members, following the spirit of the Levirate law, which was to protect and provide for those in need within the community. We are called to uphold justice, mercy, and love in our relationships, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do.
Let us, therefore, strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal promise of resurrection and life with God. May we support one another in faith and love, anticipating the day when we will be like the angels in heaven, united with our Lord forever.