Marriage Law

"This is what the Lord has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, 'Let them marry whom they wish; only they must marry within the family of the tribe of their father.' Thus no inheritance of the sons of Israel shall be transferred from tribe to tribe, for the sons of Israel shall each hold to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. Every daughter who comes into possession of an inheritance of any tribe of the sons of Israel shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father, so that the sons of Israel each may possess the inheritance of his fathers. Thus no inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another tribe, for the tribes of the sons of Israel shall each hold to his own inheritance." -Numbers 36.6-9

There had been a man named Zelophehad who had no sons, and so his daughters came to Moses and sought land so that their father's name would not be erased from history. Now there is a situation. If they marry the land will become part of their husband's territory. This isn't a problem, unless they marry outside of their tribe. Under that circumstance the land would be transferred from one tribe to another, and this wasn't supposed to happen. So God steps in and puts a requirement on their marriages.

They are given freedom of choice to marry whomever they please, but the field is limited to a family from their own tribe. No land was to be taken from one tribe by another, and so God lays out a ground rule for marriage.

Later we'll see in 2 Corinthians, that believers are not to "unequally yoked" with unbelievers. Marriage is a serious, and lasting, situation and as the primary human relationship there are some guidelines that God gives for it. Believers need to enter into marriage only with other believers. If they do then faith could be greatly hindered, or even lost.

Men, if you're married to a nonbeliever this is not permission to leave your spouse. God made marriage to be for life, and if you are already in the covenant don't break it. Pray for your spouse, show them the love of Christ, and work to bring them into the faith. But if you are single, take this instructions to heart. Marriage isn't easy, it's two people who have been raised and lived differently for several decades coming together as one to create a new life together. Entering into that relationship with someone who has different beliefs adds so much to the mix. Do not take the inheritance that God has given you and allow it to be taken by an unbelieving spouse.

Seek someone who believes what you believe because together your faith can be stronger than ever. Don't allow what you have to be stolen or smothered by a spouse who doesn't believe.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor