Deuteronomy 24:5

If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.

Study Bible

If a man is newly married
In ancient Israel, marriage was a significant covenant, reflecting God's relationship with His people. The emphasis on a newly married man highlights the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the marriage. This period allowed the couple to bond and set the tone for their future together. The concept of marriage as a covenant is echoed in Malachi 2:14, where marriage is described as a covenant before God.

he must not be sent to war
This provision underscores the value placed on family and the sanctity of marriage. By exempting a newly married man from military service, the law prioritizes the stability and growth of the family unit. This reflects God's design for marriage as a source of support and companionship, as seen in Genesis 2:18, where God declares it is not good for man to be alone.

or be pressed into any duty
The exemption from other duties further emphasizes the importance of the marital relationship. It allowed the husband to focus entirely on his new wife, ensuring that their relationship was nurtured without external pressures. This principle of prioritizing family can be seen in the New Testament, where Paul advises believers to care for their families (1 Timothy 5:8).

For one year he is free to stay at home
The one-year period provided a significant amount of time for the couple to adjust to their new life together. This time was crucial for building a strong, lasting relationship. The idea of rest and focus on family is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the Sabbath rest commanded in Exodus 20:8-11, which emphasizes the importance of rest and relationship with God and family.

and bring joy to the wife he has married
The husband's role in bringing joy to his wife highlights the biblical principle of love and care within marriage. Ephesians 5:25-28 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, emphasizing sacrificial love and care. This joy is not merely emotional but encompasses providing, protecting, and nurturing the wife, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Newly Married Man
The primary subject of this verse, representing a man who has recently entered into the covenant of marriage.

2. Wife
The newly married man's partner, who is to be the recipient of his attention and joy during the first year of marriage.

3. Army
Represents the military obligations that the man is exempt from during the first year of marriage.

4. Israelite Society
The cultural and religious context in which these laws were given, emphasizing the importance of family and community stability.

5. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who conveyed God's laws to the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant that requires dedication and nurturing, especially in its formative first year.

Prioritizing Relationships
The exemption from military duty highlights the importance of prioritizing one's spouse and family over other obligations.

Joy in Marriage
Bringing joy to one's spouse is a divine mandate, emphasizing the role of love, care, and companionship in marriage.

Community and Family Stability
Strong marriages contribute to the stability and health of the broader community, reflecting God's design for society.

God's Provision for Rest and Bonding
The law provides a period of rest and bonding, recognizing the need for couples to establish a strong foundation for their future together.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the principle of prioritizing one's spouse in Deuteronomy 24:5 apply to modern-day marriages?

2. In what ways can newly married couples today "bring joy" to each other, as instructed in this verse?

3. How does the concept of taking time to nurture a marriage relate to the broader biblical theme of rest and sabbath?

4. What are some practical ways that churches and communities can support newly married couples in their first year of marriage?

5. How can the principles found in Deuteronomy 24:5 be applied to strengthen family and community relationships today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:24
This verse establishes the foundational principle of marriage, where a man leaves his parents and unites with his wife, becoming one flesh. It underscores the importance of the marital bond.

Ecclesiastes 9:9
This verse encourages enjoying life with one's spouse, highlighting the joy and companionship found in marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:33-34
Paul discusses the concerns of married life, emphasizing the need for a husband to care for his wife, which aligns with the principle of prioritizing the marriage relationship.

Proverbs 5:18-19
These verses celebrate the joy and satisfaction found in a loving marital relationship, encouraging husbands to rejoice in their wives.