“Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, specifically the fifth book of the Bible. It is attributed to Moses and contains a series of speeches given by him to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. In this passage, Moses is reciting a series of curses that the people should pronounce upon themselves if they violate specific commandments given by God.
Forbidden Relationship:Deuteronomy 27:22 specifically addresses the issue of incestuous relationships. It pronounces a curse upon anyone who engages in sexual relations with their sister, either the daughter of their father or the daughter of their mother. The severity of this prohibition is emphasized by the fact that the people are called to affirm the curse by saying “Amen.”
Moral and Legal Implications:The prohibition against incest is rooted in the moral and ethical standards established by God for His people. Incestuous relationships are considered morally wrong and contrary to God’s design for human sexuality and the family unit. Additionally, incestuous relationships can lead to genetic abnormalities and damage the integrity of the family structure.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient times, certain cultures practiced incestuous relationships as a means of preserving family purity or consolidating power within the ruling class. However, the Israelites were called to separate themselves from such practices and follow God’s laws. The prohibition against incest served to maintain the sanctity of the family unit and ensure the preservation of the Israelite community.
The Significance of the Curse:Pronouncing a curse upon oneself for violating God’s commandments was intended to serve as a deterrent and reminder of the seriousness of the offense. The act of saying “Amen” after the curse affirmed the agreement of the people with the consequences of their disobedience. By explicitly declaring the curse, the Israelites acknowledged the divine authority behind the commandment and recognized the importance of obedience.
Application for Today:While the cultural context may differ, the moral principles underlying the prohibition against incest remain relevant today. Incestuous relationships continue to be considered taboo and illegal in most societies due to the potential harm they cause to individuals and families. As believers, we are called to honour God’s design for human relationships and follow His moral standards, including those related to sexual ethics.
In summary, Deuteronomy 27:22 addresses the prohibition against incestuous relationships, emphasizing the moral and legal implications of such behaviour. The curse pronounced in this passage serves as a deterrent and reminder of the seriousness of violating God’s commandments. Today, this commandment continues to guide believers in upholding the sanctity of the family unit and following God’s moral standards.
