“If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament, and it primarily consists of the speeches given by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The book contains laws, commandments, and instructions for the Israelites to follow as they establish their society and live in obedience to God.
Polygamy in the Old Testament: The verse addresses a situation involving a man who has two wives. It acknowledges the practice of polygamy that was common in ancient times, particularly in the Old Testament. However, it’s important to note that the existence of polygamy in the Bible does not imply endorsement or approval by God. The Bible often records the actions and practices of individuals without necessarily condoning them.
Children from both wives: The verse describes a scenario where both wives bear children for the husband. The presence of children from both wives adds complexity to the situation and raises issues related to inheritance and family dynamics.
The distinction between the beloved and the hated wife: The terms “beloved” and “hated” in this verse do not refer to emotional love or hatred in the modern sense. Instead, they indicate a distinction in status or favor. The “beloved” wife is the one whom the husband favors or regards with a higher level of importance, while the “hated” wife is the one who receives less favor or attention.
Inheritance and the firstborn son: The verse mentions the firstborn son of the “hated” wife. It addresses the issue of inheritance in a polygamous household. The firstborn son had special rights and privileges in ancient Israelite society, including receiving a double portion of the father’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). Despite the father’s preference for the “beloved” wife, the rights of the firstborn son are protected.
Principles of justice and equity: This verse demonstrates the importance of justice and equity within the Israelite society. Even though the husband may have personal preferences among his wives, the rights of the children and the principles of fairness are upheld. The law ensures that the firstborn son of the “hated” wife is not disadvantaged or denied his rightful inheritance because of his mother’s status.
The overall message: While the specific context of this verse relates to the laws of inheritance in a polygamous setting, the broader message encourages justice, fairness, and the protection of individual rights within the family structure. It emphasizes God’s concern for the equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of personal preferences or social dynamics.
Application: As believers today, we can draw principles from this verse and apply them to our lives. We should strive for justice, fairness, and equity in our relationships, treating all individuals with respect and ensuring that no one is disadvantaged or mistreated due to personal biases. We can learn from this verse to value each person’s inherent worth and to promote a spirit of equality and fairness in our families and communities.
Remember, when studying specific verses, it’s important to consider the broader context of the Bible, including the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, to develop a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
