Table of Contents
Introduction
In ancient times, the Israelites were bound by a set of laws and commandments that governed their daily lives, including the institution of marriage. The Bible, which serves as a sacred text for the Israelites, provides explicit guidelines on who they were forbidden to marry.
They were forbidden to marry close relatives
One of the primary restrictions imposed on the Israelites was the prohibition of marrying close relatives. The law strictly forbade marriage between individuals who were closely related by blood (Leviticus 18:6), such as:
- One’s parent – mother or father (Leviticus 18:7)
- One’s foster parent (Leviticus 18:8)
- One’s sibling or half-sibling (Leviticus 18:9) (Leviticus 18:11)
- One’s child and grandchild (Leviticus 18:10)
- A woman and her daughter (Leviticus 18:17)
- A woman and her granddaughter (Leviticus 18:17)
- One’s biological aunt (Leviticus 18:12-13)
- One’s uncle’s wife (Leviticus 18:14)
- One’s uncle (Leviticus 18:14)
- One’s daughter-in-law (Leviticus 18:15)
- One’s sister-in-law while his brother is alive. (Leviticus 18:16)
- One’s wife’s sister (sister-in-law) while his wife is alive (Leviticus 18:18)
This prohibition aimed to prevent incestuous relations within the community for such relationships were considered morally and socially unacceptable.
They were forbidden to marry foreigners
Furthermore, the Israelites were also forbidden to marry foreigners. It is written in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, “Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly.” Also, see Exodus 34:16, Joshua 23:12, 1 Kings 11:2.
The rationale behind this restriction was to maintain the purity of their faith and culture. Marrying foreigners was seen as a potential threat to the religious and cultural identity of the Israelites, as it could lead to the adoption of foreign gods and customs. By forbidding such unions, the Israelites sought to preserve their distinctiveness as a chosen people.
However, certain individuals such as King David (2Sa 3:3), King Solomon (1Ki 11:1-13), King Ahab (1Ki 16:31), and many others during the days of Ezra (Ezra 9:1-4) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:23-27) compromised on this marital law and the consequences were detrimental to Israel.
The laws regarding marriage among the Israelites were not merely arbitrary rules but were deeply rooted in their religious beliefs. The commandments given in the Bible were seen as divine instructions, and adherence to them was considered essential for maintaining a righteous and harmonious society.
They were forbidden to marry animals
The Israelites were strictly forbidden to marry or engage in sexual relations with animals. This prohibition, outlined in the law, emphasized the importance of maintaining moral and ethical conduct and ensuring the sanctity of human-animal relationships. Reference Leviticus 20:15-16
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Israelites were forbidden to marry close relatives and foreigners according to the laws and commandments outlined in the Bible. These restrictions aimed to prevent incestuous relations and preserve the religious and cultural identity of the Israelite community. The Israelites regarded these laws as divine instructions and adherence to them was considered crucial for leading a righteous life.