“Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.”
Context: Deuteronomy is part of the Old Testament and specifically belongs to the genre of the Law (Torah). It contains the teachings and instructions of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this verse, God is giving the Israelites guidance concerning the inhabitants of the land they were about to possess.
Prohibition against intermarriage: The verse begins with the command, “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them.” God instructs the Israelites not to enter into marriage alliances with the pagan nations inhabiting the Promised Land. This command was given to preserve the purity of Israel’s worship and to prevent the influence of false gods and idolatry from infiltrating their community.
Preservation of faith and worship: God emphasizes that the Israelites should not give their daughters to the sons of the pagan nations, nor take their daughters for their sons. This was to ensure that Israel would maintain their commitment to worshiping the one true God, Yahweh, and not be led astray by the gods and practices of other nations.
Spiritual implications: The prohibition against intermarriage carries spiritual significance. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and entering into a marriage relationship with someone who does not share the same faith and devotion to God can lead to conflicts and compromises in matters of worship. Scripture repeatedly warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), and intermarriage was seen as a potential threat to the spiritual well-being of the Israelites.
Application today: While this command was given in a specific historical and cultural context, there are principles we can draw from it for our lives today. It reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts and maintaining a strong commitment to our faith. Christians are encouraged to marry “in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39) and to prioritize shared spiritual values and beliefs in their relationships.
Cultural sensitivity: It’s essential to approach this verse with cultural sensitivity and recognize that the specific prohibition against intermarriage in the Old Testament was not based on racial or ethnic distinctions but on the spiritual and religious practices of the nations involved. In the New Testament, we see the invitation for all people to come to faith in Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background (Galatians 3:28).
Remember, the Bible should always be interpreted in light of its entire message and the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love for God and neighbor.
