LEVIRATE MARRIAGE
Levirate marriage is a complex and intriguing concept in biblical law that serves to protect widows and preserve family lineages. This practice, rooted in ancient Israelite culture, is mentioned in several passages of Scripture and provides insight into the social structures and familial obligations of the time.
The term “levirate” comes from the Latin word “levir,” meaning “brother-in-law.” We find the most detailed explanation of this custom in Deuteronomy 25:5-10: “When brothers live together and one of them dies without a son, the widow of the deceased shall not marry anyone outside the family; but her husband’s brother shall come to her, marrying her and performing the duty of a brother-in-law. The firstborn son she bears shall continue the name of the deceased brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel” (Deut 25:5-6).
This law was designed to ensure the continuation of a family line and to protect widows who might otherwise be left without support. It’s important to note that this practice was not mandatory but rather a moral obligation. If a brother-in-law refused to fulfill this duty, he would face public shame, as described in Deuteronomy 25:7-10.
We see examples of levirate marriage in action throughout the Old Testament. One notable instance is the story of Ruth and Boaz. Although Boaz was not Ruth’s brother-in-law, he acted as a kinsman-redeemer, fulfilling a similar role by marrying Ruth and continuing the family line of her deceased husband (Ruth 4:9-10).
The concept of levirate marriage also appears in the New Testament, specifically in a question posed to Jesus by the Sadducees. In Matthew 22:23-28, they present a hypothetical scenario involving seven brothers who successively marry the same woman, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the nature of resurrection and eternal life, transcending the earthly concerns of marriage and lineage.
From a Catholic perspective, it’s crucial to understand that levirate marriage was a practice specific to its time and cultural context. The Catholic Church does not require or encourage this practice today. Instead, the Church emphasizes the sacramental nature of marriage and its indissolubility.
However, the principles underlying levirate marriage – care for widows, preservation of family, and communal responsibility – remain relevant for Christians today. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of supporting those in need, including widows and orphans (CCC 2208).
REFLECTION
As modern Christians, we can draw several lessons from the concept of levirate marriage:
1. Community Responsibility: We are called to support and care for those who have lost loved ones, especially within our faith communities.
2. Honoring Legacy: While we may not continue family lines in the same way, we can honor the memory and legacy of those who have passed on.
3. Selflessness: The practice of levirate marriage often required personal sacrifice for the good of others, a principle that remains central to Christian living.
4. God’s Providence: Just as God provided for widows through this custom, we can trust in His provision for all our needs.
In conclusion, while levirate marriage is no longer practiced, its underlying principles of compassion, community support, and honoring family continue to resonate with Catholic teaching. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these values in our own lives, caring for the vulnerable and supporting one another in times of loss and need. Let us take these lessons to heart, striving to be a source of support and love within our communities, honoring the legacies of those who have gone before us, and trusting in God’s enduring providence.