Levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and its precursors in Leviticus and numbers : a test case for the relationship between P/H and D

Abstract

In this article, I argue that Deut 25:5-10 has precursors in Leviticus and Numbers. The subject of levirate marriage picks up the topic of daughters’ right to an inheritance (Num 27:1-11) and the related problem that when a daughter marries, the inheritance of her father might transfer to another family (Num 36:6-12). Furthermore, within the Decalogue orientation of the Deuteronomic law, Deut 25:5-10 is related to Deut 5:21a and picks up the prohibition of Lev 20:21. While it is generally forbidden to take the wife of a brother because this would dishonor him, in the special case of Deut 25:5 it is even commanded to marry the wife of the brother to preserve his name.