Deuteronomy 21:16
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
ففي يَومِ تَوريثِه لِبَنيه ما يَكونُ لَه، لا يَحِلُّ لَه أَن يُعطِيَ حَقَّ البِكرِيَّةِ لِٱبنِ المَحْبوبةِ دونَ ٱبنِ المَكْرُوهةِ البِكْر،
What Does This Mean?
This verse is about inheritance rules in ancient Israel. It says that a father cannot give more inheritance to a favored son just because he likes him more; the firstborn son, even if from a less favored mother, should still receive the rightful inheritance. God is speaking through Moses to ensure fairness.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have two siblings, and your parents really like one more than the other. This verse is like a rule that says, if you're the oldest, even if your parents like your sibling more, you still get the bigger piece of the pie when it's time to split things up.
Historical Background
Moses wrote this verse around 1400 BCE as part of the law given to the Israelites. The audience was the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land. This law ensured fairness and prevented family disputes over inheritance.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, consider a scenario where a parent has to divide assets among children. Even if the parent favors one child more, fairness and legal guidelines (like this biblical principle) ensure the firstborn gets their rightful share, avoiding family conflicts.
Topics
inheritancejusticefairnessfamilylawsdispute resolution
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verse mention 'the hated'?
This phrase reflects the cultural context where a wife's status could affect her child's inheritance rights. It emphasizes that the father's preference should not override the legal rights of the firstborn.
How is this verse relevant in modern times?
It's relevant in modern times as it highlights the importance of fairness and adherence to legal principles, even in family matters, to prevent conflicts and ensure justice.
What is the purpose of this law?
The purpose is to ensure fair treatment of all children, particularly the firstborn, by preventing the father from showing favoritism that could lead to family disputes and inequality.
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
The verse does not provide exceptions, but other laws and cultural practices might influence the application. It primarily ensures the firstborn gets their rightful share of inheritance, regardless of the father's preferences.