Abstract
The law of levirate marriage (Deut. 25.5–10) requires the levir to marry his sister-in-law, while at the same time allowing him to be released from this obligation. This article argues that these inherent contradictory trends relate to the fact that the law forces the levir to marry a woman whom he did not choose. This coercion runs counter to the biblical laws of marriage, which predicate marriage and divorce on the man's will. Through a close reading of the law this article seeks to demonstrate the tension reflected between two contradictory values: that of raising up the name of the deceased, on one hand, and a man's right to choose the woman he wishes, on the other. It appears that due to the levir's aversion towards the widow the legislator allows this to prevail over the moral obligation, but does not forgo expressing disapproval of this decision.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
