Deuteronomy 21:15
Afrikaans 1933/1953
As 'n man twee vroue het, een wat hy liefhet en een wat hy nie liefhet nie, en hulle baar vir hom seuns, sowel die geliefde as die nie-geliefde vrou, en die eersgebore seun behoort aan die nie-geliefde vrou,
What Does This Mean?
This verse talks about a situation where a man has two wives, one he loves and one he dislikes. If the disliked wife has the firstborn son, it sets up a legal scenario about inheritance and rights. Moses is giving instructions to the Israelites about how to handle such situations.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you had two best friends, but you liked one more than the other. Now, if the friend you didn't like as much did something really important first, like winning a big game, how would you treat them? This verse teaches us how to be fair, even when we like someone less.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the book of Deuteronomy, written by Moses around 1400 BC. It was given to the Israelites as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting allowed polygamy, but this law aimed to ensure fairness and prevent injustice.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, while polygamy is not legal in most countries, the principle of fairness and equality in families remains relevant. For instance, in a blended family, where a parent has children from previous relationships, this verse reminds us to treat all children equally and fairly.
Topics
fairnessfamilylovejusticeinheritancemarriage
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse promote favoritism in families?
No, this verse actually aims to prevent favoritism. It sets up rules to ensure that even if a man prefers one wife over another, he must treat all his children fairly, especially in terms of inheritance.
How can we apply this verse to modern family structures?
We can apply the principle of fairness and equality in all family structures, especially in blended families where children from previous relationships need to be treated with the same care and attention as biological children.
What was the cultural context of polygamy at the time of Moses?
Polygamy was culturally accepted in ancient Israel as a way to ensure population growth and to care for widows. However, this verse highlights the need for laws to ensure that such practices do not lead to injustice.
Are there any New Testament verses that relate to this principle?
Yes, passages like 1 Corinthians 7:2-4 emphasize the importance of mutual respect and love in marriage, which aligns with the principle of fairness mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:15.