In ancient Jewish tradition, specifically according to the laws outlined in the Torah, the practice of yibbum (levirate marriage) was a key response to a situation where a man died without leaving an heir. If a man died without children, his brother was expected to marry the widow and produce offspring in the deceased brother’s name, ensuring the continuation of his lineage.
This practice is outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. If the brother refused to fulfill this duty, the widow could perform a ceremony called halitzah (the release), which publicly marked the refusal. The punishment was not a physical one but rather a public humiliation. In the ceremony, the widow would remove the brother-in-law’s sandal and spit in his face, saying, “This is what is done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house.” The refusal was considered shameful, but no legal or physical punishment was imposed beyond this public disgrace.
Over time, halitzah became the preferred option in many Jewish communities over the levirate marriage itself.
The above is from chat GPT…so if God already had a defined punishment for rejecting your brothers wife, then why would there be a super punishment of death in this case. This is a critical verse that defines one of the theological differences between Protestants and Catholics.
RE: In ancient Jewish tradition, specifically according to the laws outlined in the Torah, the practice of yibbum (levirate marriage) was a key response to a situation where a man died without leaving an heir.
I cannot answer for the Jews, but if you are NOT a Jew, you are NOT required to follow that practice ( otherwise every Christian will be guilty of sinning when he eats food that are not kosher ). Christians are required to obey MORAL laws, but are not required to obey Sabbath ( we don’t follow the Jewish Sabbath ), and Holy days, circumcision, animal sacrifices, etc.
In Galatians 5:1-6 - Paul argues against the requirement for Christians to follow Jewish ceremonial laws, stating that Christ has set us free. He writes, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
The law came after this happened but there was another reason.
It is because he did not refuse to marry her, he refused to give her a child.
He did this because he was greedy. If she has a child the child gets half of his grandfather's estate and the second and third son's get one quarter.
If she does not have a child the second son gets two thirds of the estate and third son gets on third.