Friday 5 July Leviticus 18: 1-18 Qn.4

None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the LORD. (6): There are two reasons why God forbade the Israelites from marrying their close relatives: 1. Many people who got married with their close relatives could beget children with various problems. 2. God did not want the Israelites to imitate the nations around them, like the Egyptians who had the right to marry those to whom they were closely related. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home (9): God’s Law did not only concern those who were born of both parents, but also those who were born of one parent, they were also not allowed to marry each other (2 Sam.13.12). Different nations were used to marrying their close relatives except for the Greeks and Romans. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law; she is your son’s wife, you shall not uncover her nakedness (15): The Word of God forbids a man from marrying his daughter-in-law, whoever tries this, commits a sin (20.12). Warning: God’s people should be guided by His Word, instead of being guided by cultures that distort family relationships. Song: 77 Praise