Daily Devotional for Sunday, March 23

Forbidden Marriages

   “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son,” Deuteronomy 7:3.

All over the world, children are forbidden from marrying certain people. The reasons are due to age, ethnic, racial or economic differences between the two, and sometimes, like the Hatfields and McCoys or Montagues and Capulets, it could simply be the wrong family. No matter the reason, the parents’ forbiddance is clear.

As Israel entered the Promised Land, the long-term inhabitants were off-limits for marriage and covenants. The Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and the Jebusites were to experience God’s judgment for their wickedness. God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy them on His behalf. They were not even worthy of mercy. Israel was to be pure and free from their wicked ways, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). God’s command against intermarriage protected the covenant and safeguarded their purity. The nations in the land had detestable practices that would taint the Israelites’ way of worship.

God’s reason for forbidding close relationships was clear. He warned them that they would turn Israel away from Him to serve other gods. His anger would then be kindled, and His people would be destroyed as a result. Those seven nations were more powerful than Israel, and they would be very influential and entice Israel to participate in abominations. To protect His people, marriage was forbidden.

How often are we drawn to that which is forbidden? Some of the land’s inhabitants were spared. Covenants were made, and marriages were arranged. God’s anger was kindled, and consequences came. Obedience is for our good, and life is much better when we obey.

THOUGHT

“Do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee”

(Deuteronomy 6:18).

Kelli Reynolds