In this last case, Moses prohibited a man from marrying a woman who was formerly his father’s wife and was possibly his stepmother.
In the Hebrew text, this verse is the opening verse of chapter 23. This verse contains the last case given by Moses concerning marital purity. In this case, Moses stated that a man shall not take his father’s wife (v. 30). This is a restatement of what the Suzerain (Ruler) God stated in the book of Leviticus, commanding the people that no one was to uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife; it is your father’s nakedness (Leviticus 18:8).
The verb translated as take (Heb. “lāqaḥ”) in this verse has the idea of taking someone in marriage (22:13). This command—a man shall not take his father’s wife—gives rise to two possible scenarios. The first one assumes that the father has died or perhaps has divorced his wife; otherwise, it could have been impossible for the son to marry his father’s wife. Second, the wife could be a widowed stepmother who could have been about the age of the son.
Regardless of the situation, Moses warned the man against marrying his father’s wife because she was his father’s wife. This was to be avoided so as to not uncover his father’s skirt. This phrase is one of several euphemisms in Hebrew to refer to immoral sexual activity. It would bring dishonor upon the family for a son to have sexual relations with his father’s wife, thus violating the commandment to honor your father and your mother (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:12).
In Leviticus 18, a long list of twisted family incestual relationships are cited as being typical behaviors within the community of Israel. The overall picture is one of wide-spread exploitation. The foundational boundary against such destructive behavior was to carefully protect the sanctity of the marriage between husband and wife.
Biblical Text:
30 A man shall not take his father’s wife so that he will not uncover his father’s skirt.
Check out our other commentaries:
-
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 meaning
Though Paul is not beholden to any man since he is not paid by man, his ministry’s purpose is to meet every person right where...... -
1 Thessalonians 2:3-8 meaning
Paul draws a contrast: he did not preach the gospel to the Thessalonians out of ignorance, impure motives, deception, flattering speech, greed, or for man’s...... -
Hebrews 1:8-9 meaning
Still contrasting the Son with the angels, this verse talks about Christ’s throne lasting forever and God anointing Christ above everything....... -
Genesis 15:1-4 meaning
Abram questions God because he is still childless and without an heir. God reassures him. ...... -
Exodus 32:11-14 meaning
Moses interceded for the people in an effort to convince God to relent from destroying them. He appealed to the LORD’s work protecting Israel and......
