Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite society, the regulations concerning marriage for priests were particularly stringent, reflecting their unique role as mediators between God and the people. The Levitical laws provided specific guidelines to ensure the sanctity and purity of the priesthood, which extended to their marital choices.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for the prohibition against priests marrying divorced women is found in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 21:7 states, "They must not marry women defiled by prostitution or divorced from their husbands, because priests are holy to their God." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining holiness and purity within the priestly lineage, as priests were set apart for sacred duties. Further elaboration is provided in Leviticus 21:13-14, which specifies, "The woman he marries must be a virgin. He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a woman defiled by prostitution, but only a virgin from his own people." This passage highlights the expectation that priests marry virgins, thereby ensuring that their family life reflects the sanctity required of their office. Theological Implications The prohibition against marrying divorced women is rooted in the broader biblical theme of holiness. Priests were called to embody the holiness of God in their personal and public lives. By restricting their marital choices, the law sought to prevent any potential defilement that could arise from unions perceived as less than ideal according to the standards of the time. The emphasis on marrying a virgin from their own people also served to preserve the cultural and religious identity of the Israelites. It reinforced the idea that the priesthood was not only a spiritual office but also a custodian of the community's covenantal relationship with God. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marriage was not merely a personal or romantic union but a social contract with significant implications for family lineage and property rights. The priestly regulations in Leviticus reflect a concern for maintaining the integrity and purity of the priestly line, which was essential for the proper functioning of the religious system. Divorce, while permitted under certain circumstances in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), was nonetheless seen as a disruption of the ideal marital covenant. By prohibiting priests from marrying divorced women, the law aimed to uphold a standard of marital fidelity and purity that mirrored the covenantal faithfulness expected of God's people. Application in Later Jewish Tradition The restrictions on priestly marriages continued to be observed in later Jewish tradition, as evidenced by rabbinic writings and historical accounts. The emphasis on priestly purity and the avoidance of any potential defilement remained a significant concern, reflecting the enduring importance of these biblical mandates. In summary, the biblical injunction against priests marrying divorced women is a reflection of the broader theological and cultural values of ancient Israel, emphasizing holiness, purity, and the preservation of the covenantal community. These regulations served to uphold the sanctity of the priesthood and ensure that those who served in this sacred capacity were above reproach in their personal and familial lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 21:14A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Women of the Frankish Church On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ... The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... The Bishop's Burthen On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ... Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Questions on the Explanations Womanhood of the Byzantine Decadence Resources I am in the process of getting a divorce. Can I start dating, or do I have to wait until the divorce is final? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are biblical grounds for divorce? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org Divorce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divorce of Captives, Regulated by Law Divorce of Servants, Regulated by Law Divorce: Disobedience of the Wife to the Husband, a Sufficient Cause For, in the Persian Empire Divorce: Forbidden by Christ Except for Adultery Divorce: Forced on Those Who had Idolatrous Wives Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Illustrative of God's Casting off of the Jewish Church Divorce: Jews Condemned for Love of Divorce: Law of Marriage Against Divorce: Not Allowed to Those Who Falsely Accused Their Wives Divorce: Often Sought by the Jews Divorce: Permitted by the Mosaic Law Divorce: Permitted: On Account of Hardness of Heart Divorce: Priests not to Marry Women After Divorce: Prohibition of, offended the Jews Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Divorce: Women: Could Marry After Divorce: Women: Married After, Could not Return to First Husband Divorce: Women: Responsible for Vows After Related Terms Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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