Deuteronomy 25:9
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
تَتَقَدَّمُ أرمَلَةُ أخِيهِ إلَيهِ أمامَ الشُّيُوخِ، وَتَنزِعُ حِذاءَهُ مِنْ رِجلِهِ، وَتَبصُقُ فِي وَجهِهِ وَتَقُولُ: ‹هَذا ما يُصْنَعُ بِرَجُلٍ لا يُرِيدُ أنْ يُعطِيَ نَسلاً لِأخِيهِ.›
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes a ritual where a brother's widow spits in the face of a man who refuses to marry her and build up her brother's family line. The elders are present to witness this public shaming. The key message is about the responsibility to continue a family line.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend wouldn't help you build a sandcastle, so you throw some sand at them to show you're upset. Here, the widow is upset because the man won't help her family grow, so she does something to show how unhappy she is.
Historical Background
Moses wrote this in the Book of Deuteronomy around 1200 BCE for the Israelites. This custom was part of the law to ensure families had heirs and their names were not forgotten.
Living It Out Today
Today, this could apply to family businesses where a relative refuses to continue the family legacy. The family might feel the need to publicly shame that relative for not honoring the family name and legacy.
Topics
responsibilityfamilycustomslegaciespublic shamingobligations
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the widow spit in the man's face?
Spitting was a sign of contempt and shame. It was a public way to show the man's failure to fulfill his duties to the family and community.
What happens after the shoe is removed?
The shoe removal signifies that the man has renounced his duty. The community would then understand that he is not to be trusted with family inheritance or legacy.
Does this law still apply today?
The specific ritual is not practiced today, but the principle of taking responsibility for family and community duties remains relevant in many cultures.
How does this relate to family inheritance?
The ritual ensures that family names and properties are passed down properly. If a man refuses to marry his brother's widow, he is seen as rejecting this duty.