“Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, which deals with the law of levirate marriage. Levirate marriage was a practice in ancient Israel where, if a man died without leaving an heir, his brother was expected to marry the widow and provide offspring to carry on the deceased brother’s name and inheritance.
In the specific case described in Deuteronomy 25:8, if the deceased man’s brother refused to perform the duty of the levirate marriage, the woman would go through a public ceremony where the elders of the city would intervene.
“Then the elders of his city shall call him”: The elders, as representatives of the community, are responsible for ensuring the fulfillment of the levirate obligation. They would summon the brother to the city gates, where legal matters and judgments were often conducted.
“And speak unto him”: The elders would address the brother, discussing the matter at hand and reminding him of his familial and societal responsibility to fulfill the levirate obligation.
“And if he stand to it”: This phrase implies that the brother is standing firm in his decision to not marry the widow. It indicates that he persists in his refusal to carry out his duty, even after being confronted by the elders.
“And say, I like not to take her”: The brother would vocalize his refusal, expressing his unwillingness to marry the widow as prescribed by the levirate law.
This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling one’s familial and societal responsibilities. It demonstrates the seriousness of the levirate marriage obligation and the consequences for refusing to fulfill it. The community, represented by the elders, played a crucial role in ensuring that the law was upheld.
It’s important to note that the cultural and historical context of this passage is significant. Levirate marriage was a practice in ancient Israel, and the purpose behind it was to provide care and support for widows while preserving family lineage and inheritance. However, in contemporary times, the cultural practices and societal norms have evolved, and levirate marriage is no longer widely practised.
As with any verse in the Bible, it’s beneficial to explore the surrounding verses, study the historical context, and seek guidance from trusted biblical commentaries and theological resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the passage and its implications.
