Deuteronomy 7:3

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.

Neither shalt thou make marriages {H2859} with them; thy daughter {H1323} thou shalt not give {H5414} unto his son {H1121}, nor his daughter {H1323} shalt thou take {H3947} unto thy son {H1121}.

Don't intermarry with them -don't give your daughter to his son, and don't take his daughter for your son.

Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,

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.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 7:3 is a direct command from God to the Israelites, prohibiting intermarriage with the inhabitants of the land of Canaan they were about to conquer. This verse specifically states, "Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter thou shalt not take unto thy son." It underscores the critical importance of maintaining Israel's distinct identity and spiritual purity as God's chosen people.

Context

This prohibition is part of a larger set of instructions given by Moses to the Israelites just before they entered the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 7:1-2, God commands them to utterly destroy the seven nations greater and mightier than themselves. The command against intermarriage in verse 3 is not based on racial prejudice, but on the profound spiritual danger these alliances posed. The primary concern was that such marriages would lead Israel to turn away from following the Lord and serve other gods, thereby provoking God's wrath and judgment. This directive was crucial for Israel to remain a "holy people" as described in Deuteronomy 7:6.

Key Themes

  • Separation and Purity: God intended Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for His purposes. Intermarriage threatened this unique relationship and the spiritual integrity of the covenant community.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The prohibition was a safeguard for Israel's covenant with Yahweh. Mixing with pagan cultures, which worshipped false gods and practiced abhorrent customs, directly undermined their exclusive devotion to the one true God.
  • Prevention of Idolatry: The ultimate danger of intermarriage was the inevitable pull towards the idolatry and pagan practices of the surrounding nations. History, particularly with figures like King Solomon, whose foreign wives turned his heart after other gods, demonstrates the devastating consequences of violating this command.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "make marriages" (Χ—Χͺן, αΈ₯ātan) refers to forming affinity through marriage or becoming sons-in-law/daughters-in-law. The emphasis in this verse is not merely on the biological union but on the spiritual contamination that would inevitably follow from uniting with those who did not share a devotion to the God of Israel. The command underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct identity to preserve their relationship with the Lord and avoid the defilement of idol worship.

Practical Application

While this specific command was given to ancient Israel regarding the Canaanite nations, its underlying principles hold profound relevance for believers today. The New Testament echoes this concept of spiritual separation, urging believers not to be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers." This principle applies particularly to marriage, encouraging Christians to choose partners who share their faith and commitment to Christ, ensuring spiritual harmony and mutual encouragement in their walk with God. Beyond marriage, it reminds us to be discerning about influences in our lives that could draw us away from our faith and commitment to God, striving for spiritual purity and steadfastness in all relationships and decisions.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:2 (12 votes)

    Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

  • Joshua 23:12 (10 votes)

    Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:

  • Joshua 23:13 (10 votes)

    Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

  • Exodus 34:15 (9 votes)

    Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

  • Exodus 34:16 (9 votes)

    And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 (8 votes)

    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17 (8 votes)

    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,