Deuteronomy 25:10

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Et sa famille sera appelée en Israël ‘la famille du déchaussé’.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes what happens if a man refuses to marry his brother's widow. The man's name will be remembered as 'The house of him that hath his shoe loosed' in Israel. It's about public shame and responsibility.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone didn't want to help take care of their brother's family, like not sharing your toys when a friend's family needs help. This verse says that person would get a funny name that everyone would remember, like 'the one who lost their shoe'.

Historical Background

Moses delivered this law to the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land. It was part of a series of laws to guide their behavior and community relations, reflecting cultural practices and family obligations.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, think about a situation where someone refuses to help a family member in need. This could mean not stepping up to support a relative who needs care or financial assistance. The principle of responsibility and community support remains relevant.

Topics

• responsibility
• community
• family
• shame
• obligations
• cultural practices

Related Verses

• Ruth 4:7
• Luke 17:10
• Judges 19:24
• 1 Timothy 5:16
• Numbers 36:7

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'having your shoe loosed' mean?

It refers to a symbolic act of removing a shoe, which in ancient Israel was a way to show that someone has lost their honor or responsibility within the community.

Is this law still relevant today?

While the specific law may not be directly applied today, the underlying principle of community responsibility and family support remains relevant in many cultures.

Can you give an example of when this principle might apply in modern times?

A modern example could be when a family member refuses to take care of an elderly relative, which could lead to a similar sense of public shame or responsibility.

How does this relate to family obligations?

This law emphasizes the importance of family obligations, such as caring for a widow, which reflects broader principles of responsibility and support within a family unit.