Parental Prenuptial

“Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.” (Le 21:15 AV)

The context of this verse are the laws governing marriage within the tribe of Levi.  Levi was unique in that they were the tribe privileged to serve as priests before the LORD.  However, that privilege also required standards which the other tribes did not have to observe.  In the case of marriage, the Levite who would serve as priest could only marry a virgin of his own tribe.  A widow or a divorcee could not become a wife of a Levitical priest.  It is suggested that daughters of the tribe of Levi be encouraged to only marry with the tribe of Levi.  Other Jewish women could marry outside their tribe unless they had rights of inheritance.  These restrictions is to what this verse is referring.  The father who is of the tribe of Levi could not allow his sons or daughters to violate these stricter standards.  To do so would mean he profaned his seed and failed to observe the principles of separation.

There are so many different applications for the truth of this verse.  The first and most obvious is separation.  If those who are called to serve the LORD fail from their appointed expectations of separation, they may become ineffective in ministry.  Or worse, lose the privilege of service altogether.  Whether we like it or not, if the LORD has called us to full time service, then we are expected to live a standard that others are not.  We cannot go certain places.  We cannot do certain things.  It may not become a problem for others.  But for those who serve the LORD with their lives, it is not permitted.

But there is another principle here that might be more generally applied.  What struck me this morning is the accountability of the parent concerning who their child desires to marry.  In our culture, we often leave this choice completely up to the child.  We listen the fairy tales of Disney and encourage our children to fall in love, never really guiding them into principles that would govern their heart.  Just because our sons or daughters have feelings for another does not mean it is right.  As parents, we have a responsibility to guide those relationships.  Our children may not appreciate it at the time, but over time, they will learn the wisdom of parental guidance and even interference.  When my wife and I decided to get married, we asked blessings of both sets of parents.  Obviously, I had to ask permission from Lisa’s father.  But we also sought my parent’s blessing.  We didn’t have to, but it meant something.  If either would have said no, this marriage may not have every happened.  Parents need to assert their guidance and authority right up to the altar.  We have responsibility.  We are accountable.  It is time to get involved again!