Prawo lewiratu w świetle chiastycznej struktury Pwt 25,4-12

Abstract

The chiasmus in Deut. xxv 4-12 was discovered by Eslinger. The relation between three laws in Deut. xxv 4-12 had already been discussed by Carmichael. This article, based on chiastic structure, gives the interpretation of widow's gesture in levirate law, as a sexual meaning. The interpretation of Deuteronomist, the author of chiasmus, came from Onan's refusal to raise up seed in behalf of his dead brother. Deuteronomist had devised a punishment for a man, who refused the duty of raising up seed to his brother. The widow symbolically imitated what Onan did to Tamar, by removing the sandal from the man's foot. Nowadays there is now levirate duty. The ceremony of refusing became law, which is called halisa – חליצה.