Add parallel Print Page Options

Two brothers might be living together. One of them might die without having a son. His widow must not marry someone outside her husband’s family. Her husband’s brother must marry her. This is his duty for her as a brother-in-law. The first son she has must be named for the dead brother. Then his name will not be forgotten in Israel.

But a man might not want to marry his brother’s widow. Then she should go to the elders at the town gate. And she should say, “My brother-in-law will not carry on his brother’s name in Israel. He refuses to do his duty for me.”

Then the elders of the town must call for the man and talk to him. But he might be stubborn and say, “I don’t want to marry her.”

If he does, the woman must go up to him in front of the elders. She must take off one of his sandals. She must spit in his face and say, “This is for the man who won’t continue his brother’s family!” 10 Then that man’s family shall be known in Israel as the Family of the Unsandaled.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

ICB Really Woolly Bible, Blue
ICB Really Woolly Bible, Blue
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $16.99
Save: $8.00 (32%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Small Hands Bible, Green Camo, ICB
Small Hands Bible, Green Camo, ICB
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $6.00 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ICB Precious Moments Holy Bible - Blue Edition
ICB Precious Moments Holy Bible - Blue Edition
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $17.49
Save: $7.50 (30%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ICB Gift & Award Bible, Girls' Edition
ICB Gift & Award Bible, Girls' Edition
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $5.49
Save: $2.50 (31%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars