What Is The Purpose Of Levirate Marriage?

Levirate marriage is the obligation of a surviving brother to marry the widow of a deceased man if he died without having sired children (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). This practice was prevalent in societies with a strong clan structure, where exogamous marriage is forbidden. God’s purpose for levirate marriage is to ensure that the first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. In ancient Israel, the law required a man to marry the childless widow of his brother to produce a child who would carry the deceased’s name. If either party does not want to marry, there is an alternative ceremony called chalitzah. The purpose of levirate marriage was to prevent loss of family property by widows marrying outside the clan. The law applied only to brothers who had lived together and worked common property. The surviving brother could evade the obligation through the ceremony of Ḥaliẓah.

Levirate marriage was a strategy for preserving a man’s legacy and property by producing a posthumous heir for him. Biblical men, such as Onan and Judah, seem to resist obligations to deceased kinsmen and their widows. Women like Tamar, Naomi, and Ruth sought to reintegrate widows into their late husbands’ line. The Old Testament provides a sufficient explanation for the purpose of levirate marriage for the Israelites.

Levirate marriage is a type of marriage where the surviving brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry his widow. This law was practiced in Deuteronomy to prevent loss of family property by widows marrying outside the clan. The purpose of levirate marriage is to ensure continuation for the deceased, both by reproduction and by preserving his land within the family. The first son of the deceased’s wife shall succeed to the name of the deceased brother, ensuring his name is not blotted out of Israel. The law was designed to ensure the childless widow is well-cared for even in the case of divorce.

What is the origin of levirate marriage?

Levirate marriage is a practice that can be found in many agrarian societies around the world. It is probably best known from the Middle East. The first to practice levirate marriage were the Assyrians, Hittites, and Hebrews.

Can a man marry his widow’s sister?

Koala: It’s different in different places. In the United States, it is usually legal for a man to marry his widowed sister.

How biblical is levirate marriage?

The Old Testament says that if a man’s brother dies without children, the man must marry the brother’s widow. Tamar and Ruth are examples of how the Old Testament says widows should be married.

Is levirate marriage in the Bible?

The Old Testament says that if a man’s brother dies without children, the man must marry the brother’s widow. Tamar and Ruth are examples of how the Old Testament says widows should be married.

What does the Bible say about levirate marriage?

The Old Testament says that if a man’s brother dies without children, the man must marry the brother’s widow. Tamar and Ruth are examples of how the Old Testament says widows should be married.