Book of Matthew - Chapter 22 - Verse 24

This verse comes from the book of Matthew in the Bible where Jesus is being questioned by the Sadducees about marriage and the resurrection. The verse refers to a Jewish law known as the levirate marriage, which was established to ensure that a man's lineage would continue in the event of his death. If a man passed away without having any children, it was believed that his brother had a responsibility to marry the widow and produce offspring to carry on the deceased man's name and inheritance. This practice was based on the belief that family lineage and inheritance were extremely important in Jewish culture. By referencing this law, the Sadducees were attempting to discredit the idea of resurrection, but Jesus used the opportunity to teach about the true nature of relationships and the afterlife.

In this verse, the term "brother" refers to a biological sibling of the deceased man. The custom described here, known as levirate marriage, was a practice in the ancient Jewish culture to ensure the continuation of the family lineage and inheritance. The theological interpretation of this custom emphasizes the importance of family and lineage in the Jewish community. By marrying the widow of his brother and raising up children in his name, the surviving brother is fulfilling his duty to ensure the family line continues. This practice is also symbolic of the community's commitment to support and care for one another in times of need.

Furthermore, the mention of Moses in this verse signifies the importance of following the laws and traditions established by him in the Old Testament. The practice of levirate marriage was a way to honor and uphold the teachings of Moses within the Jewish community. It underscores the value placed on continuity and preservation of family ties in accordance with the laws handed down by God through Moses.