Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Intermarriage refers to the union between individuals of different ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds. In the biblical context, it often specifically addresses marriages between Israelites and people from surrounding nations. The topic of intermarriage is significant in the Bible as it relates to issues of faithfulness to God, cultural identity, and obedience to divine commandments. Old Testament References: The Old Testament contains several passages that address the issue of intermarriage, often warning against it due to the potential for leading the Israelites away from their covenant with God. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4 , God commands the Israelites, "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you." The concern was that intermarriage with pagan nations would lead to idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh. This is further illustrated in the account of Solomon, whose foreign wives led him to worship other gods, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-4 : "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. They were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away." Ezra and Nehemiah also address the issue of intermarriage during the post-exilic period. Ezra 9:1-2 reports, "After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, 'The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the peoples of the lands, practicing the abominations of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy race has become mixed with the peoples of the lands. And the leaders and officials have been foremost in this unfaithfulness.'" New Testament Perspective: The New Testament does not explicitly address intermarriage in the same way as the Old Testament, but it emphasizes the importance of shared faith in marriage. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 , Paul advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This passage is often interpreted as a caution against marrying someone who does not share the Christian faith, as it may lead to spiritual discord. Cultural and Theological Implications: The biblical stance on intermarriage is deeply rooted in the concern for maintaining religious purity and devotion to God. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart for God's purposes, and intermarriage with pagan nations was seen as a threat to this calling. The theological implication is that marriage should support and enhance one's relationship with God, rather than detract from it. Historical Examples: Throughout biblical history, there are examples of intermarriage that had significant consequences. The marriage of Ahab to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, led to the introduction of Baal worship in Israel (1 Kings 16:31-33). Conversely, the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who married Boaz, an Israelite, demonstrates a positive outcome of intermarriage when it is accompanied by faithfulness to God. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her acceptance of the God of Israel led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:13-17). Conclusion: The topic of intermarriage in the Bible is complex and multifaceted, reflecting concerns about religious fidelity, cultural identity, and the potential for spiritual compromise. While the Old Testament provides clear prohibitions against intermarriage with pagan nations, the New Testament focuses on the importance of shared faith in marriage. Throughout biblical history, the consequences of intermarriage have varied, underscoring the importance of aligning one's marital choices with God's will and purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. i.) To become connected by marriage between their members; to give and take mutually in marriage; -- said of families, ranks, castes, etc.Strong's Hebrew 2859. chathan -- make oneself a daughter's husband... a daughter's husband NASB Word Usage allied himself by marriage (1), become the son-in-law (4), formed a marriage alliance (1), intermarry (4), marriage ... /hebrew/2859.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxxiv A Spiritual Revival (That no Bishop Should Presume in Anything Pertaining to Another's ... To the Rev. Andrew Brandram The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation Of God, and the Religious Rites of the Foolish; of Avarice, and ... St. Paul's Phraseology Often Suggested by the Jewish Scriptures ... Instructed in the Law of God The People among whom we Labour (Continued). Joy Born at Bethlehem Thesaurus Intermarry (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Intermarry (5 Occurrences). Genesis 34:9 Make marriages with us. Give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. ... /i/intermarry.htm - 8k Mingle (7 Occurrences) Relationships (1 Occurrence) Noah (55 Occurrences) Intermeddle (1 Occurrence) Intermarried (1 Occurrence) Family (438 Occurrences) Resources What is Kinism? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Jebusites? | GotQuestions.org Who was Cain's wife? Was Cain's wife his sister? | GotQuestions.org Intermarry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Intermarry (5 Occurrences)Genesis 34:9 Deuteronomy 7:3 Joshua 23:12 1 Kings 11:2 Ezra 9:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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