For instance, let’s look at Deuteronomy 25:5-10.
In Old Testament law, marriage to a divorced or widowed sister-in-law was forbidden, with one exception. If brothers were living together, such as in the case of having jointly inherited their father’s estate and a brother died without producing a male heir, a levirate marriage was to occur. The surviving brother was to marry the widowed sister-in-law in order to produce a male offspring. The first born son was to be given the deceased brother’s name so that the brother’s lineage wouldn't be lost from Israel. In the future, when the covenant promise of the promised land, made to Abraham, was fulfilled by the Lord, the deceased brother would benefit through his descendants. This also assured the widow’s care through her husband and through her son.
A brother who refused to marry the widow and provide for his brother’s name, was subject to humiliation in front of the community.
If there was no brother, there were other avenues available that would secure the widow’s care and the future of her deceased husband’s name and property. Another close relative could take responsibility. (See links below to articles about Ruth and her Kinsman Redeemer.)
Today, we don’t have those ancient laws about remarriage, although the church (that’s you and me) is charged with the care of widows and orphans. (James 1:27) As believers in Christ, we have a covenant promise and a guaranteed future. Through the promise, we are assured of salvation and of our place in the Kingdom of God, along with all of God’s people. No matter what circumstances we may face in this life, we have a future. Jesus is our husband and our father. He has redeemed us. He is our Kinsman Redeemer.
Read about Ruth's Kinsman Redeemer in
The Story of Three Women- Ruth Chapter 1 and The Romance - The Book of Ruth
Don't miss the final chapter. The Happy Ending
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