Wife or Concubine

• 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.

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