“Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother’s house.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and contains the laws and instructions given by Moses to the Israelites. This verse is part of a section that addresses levirate marriage, which is a practice where a man is required to marry his deceased brother’s widow in order to carry on his brother’s name and lineage.
Symbolic Actions:In this verse, there are several symbolic actions involved. The brother’s wife is to come before the elders and perform the following acts:
- (a) Loosing his shoe from off his foot: Removing the shoe signifies a transfer of rights or responsibilities, indicating that the brother who refuses to fulfill his duty is relinquishing his rights in the matter.
- (b) Spitting in his face: This act represents disgrace and shame, serving as a public rebuke for the refusal to fulfill the duty of raising up offspring for the deceased brother.
Cultural and Historical Context:The levirate marriage custom was practised in ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel. It aimed to ensure the continuation of a deceased man’s lineage and protect the widow from potential destitution. By refusing to fulfill his obligation, the brother would bring shame upon himself and his family.
Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
- The Importance of Family Responsibility:This verse highlights the significance of family responsibilities and the duty to support one another. In this case, the responsibility was to ensure the continuation of the family line and provide for the widow.
- The Consequences of Neglecting Obligations:Refusing to fulfill one’s responsibilities not only brings shame upon oneself but also carries consequences. In this passage, the consequence is public humiliation through symbolic actions.
- The Importance of Community Accountability:The presence of the elders in this scenario signifies the communal nature of decision-making and accountability within the Israelite society. It emphasizes the role of the community in upholding moral and social standards.
New Testament Application:While levirate marriage is not practised in most cultures today, the principles behind this passage can still be applied in a broader sense. Christians are called to fulfill their responsibilities towards their family, both immediate and spiritual. This includes caring for widows, orphans, and those in need (James 1:27). It also emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and the need for accountability within the community of believers (Galatians 6:1-2).
In summary, Deuteronomy 25:9 highlights the significance of fulfilling family responsibilities, the consequences of neglecting obligations, and the importance of community accountability. While the specific cultural practice may not apply today, the underlying principles can still guide believers in their relationships and responsibilities within the family and the broader community.
