Deuteronomy 25:7

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 say, "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."

Study Bible

But if the man does not want to marry
This phrase introduces a conditional situation where the man, the brother-in-law, chooses not to fulfill the levirate marriage obligation. The Hebrew root here is "lo" (לֹא), meaning "not," indicating a deliberate choice or refusal. In ancient Israel, this was a significant decision, as levirate marriage was a duty to ensure the deceased brother's lineage and property remained within the family. The refusal could be seen as a failure to uphold familial and communal responsibilities.

his brother’s widow
The term "widow" in Hebrew is "almanah" (אַלְמָנָה), which carries a sense of vulnerability and need for protection. In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, widows were often left without support, making the levirate marriage a crucial social safety net. This phrase underscores the widow's dependent status and the community's role in her protection and provision.

she is to go to the elders
The "elders" (Hebrew: "zaqen" זָקֵן) were respected leaders and judges within the community, often sitting at the city gate to render decisions and maintain order. This phrase highlights the structured legal and social system in place to address such familial disputes. The elders served as mediators and enforcers of the law, ensuring justice and adherence to cultural norms.

at the city gate
The "city gate" was more than just an entrance; it was the hub of civic life, where legal matters were settled, and public announcements were made. Archaeological findings have confirmed the presence of benches and spaces for gatherings at ancient city gates, emphasizing their role as centers of governance and community interaction.

and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses
The act of speaking to the elders signifies a formal complaint or petition. The widow's declaration is a public acknowledgment of the brother-in-law's refusal, which would have social and legal implications. This phrase reflects the importance of verbal testimony in ancient legal proceedings.

to preserve his brother’s name in Israel
The concept of preserving a "name" (Hebrew: "shem" שֵׁם) is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of legacy and identity. In Israelite culture, a name represented one's lineage, reputation, and inheritance. The refusal to marry the widow was not just a personal decision but a communal concern, as it threatened the continuity of the family line and its associated rights and responsibilities.

He is not willing to perform the duty
The "duty" (Hebrew: "yabam" יָבַם) refers to the levirate marriage obligation, a sacred duty to ensure the deceased brother's lineage. This phrase underscores the moral and religious weight of the obligation, which was seen as a divine command rather than a mere social custom.

of a brother-in-law for me.’
The role of the "brother-in-law" (Hebrew: "yabam" יָבַם) was not just familial but also legal and spiritual. By refusing, the brother-in-law was neglecting a God-given responsibility, which could bring shame and dishonor upon himself and his family. This phrase highlights the interconnectedness of family, faith, and community in ancient Israelite society.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Brother-in-law (Levir)
The man who is expected to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line.

2. The Widow
The woman whose husband has died and who seeks to continue her deceased husband's lineage.

3. The Elders
The leaders or judges at the city gate who are responsible for hearing the widow's complaint and ensuring justice.

4. The City Gate
The place where legal matters and community decisions are made, symbolizing authority and governance.

5. The Duty of a Brother-in-law (Levirate Marriage)
A cultural and legal obligation in ancient Israel for a man to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name.

Teaching Points

Preservation of Family Lineage
The importance of family and legacy in biblical times is emphasized through the practice of levirate marriage. This reflects God's concern for the continuation of His people and the honoring of familial responsibilities.

Community Responsibility and Justice
The role of the elders at the city gate underscores the community's responsibility to uphold justice and ensure that individuals fulfill their obligations. This teaches us about the importance of accountability within the body of Christ.

Obedience to God's Commands
The passage highlights the necessity of obedience to God's laws, even when they may be challenging or counter-cultural. It encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and provision.

Compassion and Support for the Vulnerable
The widow's appeal to the elders reflects God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. Christians are called to support and advocate for those in need within their communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:7 reflect the values and priorities of ancient Israelite society?

2. In what ways can the church today act as "elders at the city gate" to ensure justice and support for those in need?

3. How does the account of Ruth and Boaz in Ruth 4 provide a positive example of fulfilling the duty described in Deuteronomy 25:7?

4. What are some modern-day applications of the principles of family responsibility and community support found in this passage?

5. How can we balance cultural practices with biblical commands when they seem to conflict, as seen in the practice of levirate marriage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 38
The account of Tamar and Judah, which illustrates the practice of levirate marriage and the consequences of failing to fulfill this duty.

Ruth 4
Boaz's willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, highlighting the importance of preserving family lineage and the role of community in these decisions.

Matthew 22:23-33
Jesus' discussion with the Sadducees about the resurrection, which references the practice of levirate marriage to illustrate theological points.