Deuteronomy 24:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 24:5
5 When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 24 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, worship, prayer. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 24:5
5 When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.
Analysis
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. God mandates a one-year honeymoon period where the new husband is exempt from military and civic duties. This demonstrates divine concern for establishing strong marriages through dedicated time together.
The phrase shall be free at home one year provides extended period for the couple to bond without external pressures competing for attention. Strong marriages require investment of time and focus, which God protects by excusing obligations that would separate them.
The purpose cheer up his wife indicates the husband's responsibility to bring joy and comfort to his bride. Marriage is not merely legal contract but relationship requiring emotional investment, care, and cultivation of happiness.
This law reveals God's prioritization - establishing godly marriages takes precedence even over national defense and civic obligations. Strong families form the foundation of strong communities.
Historical Context
In agrarian and warrior societies, this exemption represented significant sacrifice by the community. Excusing newlyweds from war and civic duties redistributed their responsibilities to others.
This demonstrates Israel's community commitment to strengthening marriages, recognizing that healthy families benefit society long-term despite short-term inconvenience.
Reflection
- What does one-year exemption teach about God's priority on marriage establishment?
- How does protected time for bonding strengthen marriages?
- What does 'cheer up his wife' reveal about husbands' emotional responsibilities?
- Why does God prioritize marriage establishment even above military defense?
- How might contemporary society apply this principle of protecting marriage investment?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 20:7, Genesis 2:24, Proverbs 5:18, Ecclesiastes 9:9, 1 Corinthians 7:29