Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

The Matter of Mixed Marriages

After the fall, what sort of marriages were introduced by men, which were productive of great evil? BR-ASI9 459.4

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Genesis 6:1, 2. BR-ASI9 459.5

Note.—The “sons of God,” descending from Seth, married the “daughters of men,” the descendants from the idolatrous line of Cain. As a result the barriers against evil were broken down, the whole race was soon corrupted, violence filled the earth, and the Flood followed. BR-ASI9 459.6

What prohibition did God give His chosen people against intermarrying with the heathen nations about them, and why? BR-ASI9 459.7

“Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following Me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” Deuteronomy 7:3, 4. BR-ASI9 459.8

Note.—Intermarriage with the ungodly was the mistake made by the professed people of God before the Flood, and God did not wish Israel to repeat that folly. BR-ASI9 459.9

What instruction is given in the New Testament regarding marriage with unbelievers? BR-ASI9 459.10

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. BR-ASI9 459.11

Note.—This instruction forbids all compromising partnerships. Marriage of believers with unbelievers has ever been a snare by which Satan has captured many earnest souls who thought they could win the unbelieving, but in most cases have themselves drifted away from the moorings of faith into doubt, backsliding, and loss of religion. No Christian can marry an unbeliever without running serious risk, and placing himself upon the enemy’s ground. Good sense should teach us that faith can best be maintained, and domestic happiness best ensured, where both husband and wife are believers, and of the same faith. Both ministers and parents, therefore, should warn the young against all improper marriages. BR-ASI9 460.1

What instruction did Abraham give his servant Eliezer when sending him to select a wife for his son Isaac? BR-ASI9 460.2

“Thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house.” Genesis 24:40. BR-ASI9 460.3

Note.—This passage indicates that in early Bible times parents generally had more to do in the selection of life companions for their children than they commonly have now. Young people who are wise will seek the advice and counsel of their parents, and above all, will seek to know the will of God, before entering upon this important relationship, with its grave responsibilities and its momentous consequences. BR-ASI9 460.4