Wife or Concubine
- Jan 8
- 1 min read
Today’s Scripture “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, they will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).
Today we discuss the ancient benefits of “ketubah,” a legal marriage contract versus the status of concubine. In ancient times, a wife:
Was established by means of a marriage contract
Was a relationship recognized under law
Bore a child (son) legally entitled to inherit the father’s estate
A concubine, on the other hand,
Was established by vocal proclamation
Provided the woman protection within the household
Bore a child not entitled to inheritance, but could receive gifts if the father designated
The Covenant promise is again confirmed in the long-awaited (20 years!) birth of a son to Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob, the chosen one by God through whom the covenant is kept, will become the father of the 12 tribes of Israel.
For the patriarchs to realize the covenant promise, it required faith. So it is in our lives as well. As we wait on God, we often believe and hope for things unseen, waiting expectantly for God to bring them to pass in His time. The challenge for us is to remain faithful as we wait.