Deuteronomy 24:5 - When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business. He shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.
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What does "Deuteronomy 24:5" mean?
Deuteronomy 24:5 outlines a specific exemption from military service and business obligations for a newly married man. Let's break it down:
"When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army...": This means the man is excused from military service. This was likely to prevent premature death during wartime and the potential for leaving a wife a widow without having a chance to establish a family.
"...neither shall he be assigned any business.": Beyond military duties, he's also excused from other official or public business responsibilities. The Hebrew word for "business" here can refer to public service or obligations that would take him away from his home and his new wife.
"He shall be free at home one year...": This emphasizes that the exemption is for a full year.
"...and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.": This is the core reason for the exemption. The Hebrew word for "cheer" (שִׂמַּח, simmach) implies making her happy, rejoicing with her, bringing her joy, and establishing a strong bond. It's about building a secure and joyful foundation for their marriage and family.
In summary, the verse aims to:
Prioritize the establishment of a new marriage: This verse puts a high value on the initial year of marriage, recognizing it as a crucial time for bonding and establishing a stable home.
Protect the new wife: It shields her from the potential hardships of widowhood early in the marriage.
Promote family formation: It allows the couple to focus on building a family without external pressures.
Provide emotional and practical support to the wife: The husband is specifically instructed to bring joy to his new wife and help her adjust to married life.
Cultural Context:
Understanding the cultural context is essential. In ancient Israel:
Marriage was highly valued: It was considered a religious and societal duty.
Women were often dependent on their husbands: The husband provided economic and social security.
Military service was a common obligation for men: This exemption was therefore a significant privilege.
Modern Interpretation:
While the verse is specific to its historical context, the underlying principles can still resonate today:
Importance of prioritizing relationships: Recognizing the value of investing time and energy into building strong relationships, especially at the beginning.
Support for new families: Acknowledging the challenges of starting a family and providing support during that transition.
Valuing the role of husbands/partners in providing emotional support: Emphasizing the importance of making one's spouse feel happy and secure.
It's important to note that the specific exemption from military service and business obligations might not be directly applicable in modern societies. However, the underlying message about prioritizing the establishment of a new marriage and family remains relevant.
Deuteronomy 24:5 - When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business. He shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.
What does "Deuteronomy 24:5" mean?
Deuteronomy 24:5 outlines a specific exemption from military service and business obligations for a newly married man. Let's break it down:
"When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army...": This means the man is excused from military service. This was likely to prevent premature death during wartime and the potential for leaving a wife a widow without having a chance to establish a family.
"...neither shall he be assigned any business.": Beyond military duties, he's also excused from other official or public business responsibilities. The Hebrew word for "business" here can refer to public service or obligations that would take him away from his home and his new wife.
"He shall be free at home one year...": This emphasizes that the exemption is for a full year.
"...and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.": This is the core reason for the exemption. The Hebrew word for "cheer" (שִׂמַּח, simmach) implies making her happy, rejoicing with her, bringing her joy, and establishing a strong bond. It's about building a secure and joyful foundation for their marriage and family.
In summary, the verse aims to:
Prioritize the establishment of a new marriage: This verse puts a high value on the initial year of marriage, recognizing it as a crucial time for bonding and establishing a stable home.
Protect the new wife: It shields her from the potential hardships of widowhood early in the marriage.
Promote family formation: It allows the couple to focus on building a family without external pressures.
Provide emotional and practical support to the wife: The husband is specifically instructed to bring joy to his new wife and help her adjust to married life.
Cultural Context:
Understanding the cultural context is essential. In ancient Israel:
Marriage was highly valued: It was considered a religious and societal duty.
Women were often dependent on their husbands: The husband provided economic and social security.
Military service was a common obligation for men: This exemption was therefore a significant privilege.
Modern Interpretation:
While the verse is specific to its historical context, the underlying principles can still resonate today:
Importance of prioritizing relationships: Recognizing the value of investing time and energy into building strong relationships, especially at the beginning.
Support for new families: Acknowledging the challenges of starting a family and providing support during that transition.
Valuing the role of husbands/partners in providing emotional support: Emphasizing the importance of making one's spouse feel happy and secure.
It's important to note that the specific exemption from military service and business obligations might not be directly applicable in modern societies. However, the underlying message about prioritizing the establishment of a new marriage and family remains relevant.