33. Laws of Marriage (Leviticus 18:6-18)

• Jun, 23 2025

Chapter Thirty-Three Summary: Laws of Marriage (Leviticus 18:6–18) Rushdoony on Biblical Boundaries, Family Structure, and the Moral Theology of MarriageLeviticus 18:6–18 outlines forbidden sexual relationships, specifically those within close kin. Yet Rushdoony makes a compelling case that these laws are not just about sexuality—they are marriage laws, designed to define and protect the God-ordained structure of the family. They flow directly from the previous section that grounds all law in God's authority (vv. 1–5), and from the preceding emphasis on holiness and atonement. 🔑 Key Themes and Insights 1. These Are Laws of Marriage, Not Merely Prohibitions of Sex“The focus of sexuality in Scripture is the family.”Rushdoony argues that the primary concern is not illicit sex but illicit unions—marriage relationships that are fundamentally corrupt or perverse. The phrase “uncover nakedness” refers to sexual intimacy within the framework of marriage, which is not permitted among close relatives. 2. Incest and Power: The Historical ContextRushdoony gives historical examples showing incestuous marriages were often used to consolidate power and wealth, particularly among royals (e.g., Egyptian pharaohs, European nobility). This manipulation of marriage for personal or dynastic gain led to genetic decline and moral decay.“Marriage was seen… as an instrument towards power and property.”3. The Laws Are Addressed to MenScripture assigns greater responsibility to men for initiating and maintaining the covenantal structure of the family. Though women are not innocent in sexual sin, the burden of headship makes men primarily accountable. 4. Sexual Sin Is a Violation Against the Family and Its MembersSexual acts are never merely private. Because individuals are not atomistic in biblical thought, but part of family structures, a sexual transgression is an assault on others’ dignity and the integrity of the household—even when consensual.“A sexual offense involves more than the man and woman engaged in a sexual act.”5. Biblical Marriage Is God-Centered, Not Family-CenteredIn many cultures, family tradition and ancestor worship were supreme. But in Scripture, marriage is under God, not human authority. God—not the clan—defines moral relationships.“The strength of family networks… is no more a moral force than the totalitarian control of a power state. Moral force comes from the triune God.”6. Polygamy Is Implicitly Condemned (v. 18)Verse 18 forbids taking a woman’s sister as a rival wife, which Rushdoony sees as a condemnation of polygamy. He notes the biblical realism in acknowledging that a second wife vexes the first—meaning affliction, shame, and hostility.“It is at least an evidence of disrespect if not a hostile act to add wife to wife.”7. Biblical Marriage Creates a New Family Structure“They shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24)Marriage in Scripture creates new bonds of kinship, meaning in-laws are family. These laws forbid not just incest but violations of the extended household order, including relations with in-laws and step-relatives. 🧱 Implications for TodayModern culture reduces marriage to a sexual contract or emotional fulfillment. Scripture presents it as a covenantal institution, full of responsibility and rooted in God’s moral order.Biblical sexual ethics uphold the sanctity of the family and human dignity. Violations are not private "consensual acts" but attacks on God’s creative and moral order.The Church must recover a theological, not merely cultural or therapeutic, view of marriage. Marriage is not self-fulfillment, but self-denial in covenantal service.📖 Connections to the New TestamentJesus echoes and intensifies this teaching:Matthew 12:46–50 – Our truest family is defined by obedience to God.Luke 14:26–27 – Loyalty to Christ must surpass all natural ties.These teachings reflect the primacy of the supernatural family, not the destruction of natural family, but its subordination to God’s kingdom. 💡 Summary Quote“Marriage is a restraint upon both husband and wife, and it imposes duties and responsibilities. It is more the assumption of mature tasks under God than it is self-fulfilment.”📌 SEO KeywordsLeviticus 18 commentaryBiblical laws on incestMarriage in the BibleRushdoony on marriageSexual ethics and ScriptureForbidden degrees of kinshipHeadship and family in biblical lawGod-centered marriagePolygamy in the Old TestamentCovenant structure of familyBottom Line: God’s law on marriage is not about suppressing freedom—it is about establishing true order, preserving the family, and exalting God’s covenantal structure for society. In rejecting these laws, a culture does not liberate itself—it condemns itself to fragmentation, shame, and judgment.

Author

R.J. Rushdoony

Chalcedon Founder

Narrated by

Nathan F. Conkey

Narrator, teacher, missionary