In the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel, the status and welfare of widows were of significant concern, particularly when a widow was left childless. The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions to ensure the continuation of a deceased man's lineage and the protection of the widow through a practice known as "levirate marriage."

The term "levirate" is derived from the Latin word "levir," meaning "brother-in-law." This practice is outlined in the Torah, specifically in the Book of Deuteronomy. According to Deuteronomy 25:5-6 , "If brothers dwell together and one of them dies without having a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel."

This law served multiple purposes: it preserved the family line and inheritance, provided for the widow's welfare, and maintained the social and economic stability of the community. The firstborn son from this union was considered the legal heir of the deceased brother, ensuring that his name and property remained within the family.

The levirate marriage was not merely a legal obligation but also a moral duty. The brother-in-law, or "levir," was expected to act with integrity and compassion towards the widow. However, the law also provided an option for refusal. If the brother-in-law chose not to marry the widow, a formal procedure known as "halitzah" was conducted. Deuteronomy 25:7-10 describes this process: "But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and declare, 'My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.' Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, 'I do not want to marry her,' his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and declare, 'This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.' And his family name in Israel will be called 'The House of the Unsandaled.'"

This public act of removing the sandal and spitting in the face was a symbolic gesture of shame and dishonor, highlighting the societal expectation for the brother-in-law to fulfill his duty.

The practice of levirate marriage is also illustrated in the narrative of Ruth and Boaz. Although Boaz was not the immediate brother-in-law, he acted as a "kinsman-redeemer" to marry Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, thereby preserving the family line and providing for her needs (Ruth 4:1-10).

In summary, the laws concerning widows left childless and their marriage to their husband's brother reflect the importance of family continuity, social responsibility, and the protection of vulnerable members within the community. These laws underscore the value placed on family and community cohesion in ancient Israelite society.Deuteronomy 25:5,6
If brothers dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without to a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in to her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother to her.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 3:10-13
And he said, Blessed be you of the LORD, my daughter: for you have showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you followed not young men, whether poor or rich.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 4:4,5
And I thought to advertise you, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it: but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside you; and I am after you. And he said, I will redeem it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 22:24-26
Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... before they complete the buildings left incomplete by ... difficulty in the execution
of laws granting favors ... addition to this pious belief respecting the Father ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

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