Deuteronomy 21:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In holy Baptism, we are gifted with a new robe, shedding the clothes of Satan's bondage, and once we are clothed with Christ Himself, we express our gratitude to God the Father, declaring, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). Additionally, Paul, a master of the law, counsels us in another passage, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14). Observe how we, having cast off the flesh akin to garments of captivity, don the radiant and divine covering of Christ, our source of joy and salvation.

According to the law, after her hair has been shaved and her long, dirty nails trimmed, she must shed her garments of captivity before she can reside in your house and become your lawful wife. Yet, she should mourn for her father and mother for a month, which signifies a remembrance of her former household. Following this mourning period, you may approach her, and she will be your wife. Those called to deep communion with God must distance themselves from foolishness, empty thoughts that lead astray, and all forms of impurity. As Paul has instructed, they must “put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22) and dedicate their entire being to God, who has nurtured us and welcomed us into His familial relationship. The phrase “and He shall dwell in thy house” implies the necessity of wholly relying on God. Thus, blessed David, acknowledging this valuable pursuit, proclaims: “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 26:4). The clarity of his devotion reveals a heart steadfast in love for God, indicating his resolution to abide in God's presence perpetually.

The Creator understands the limits of the human mind; indeed, how could He not, considering that it is said, “He knows our frame” (Psalm 103:14). However, those who transition from worldly existence and detach their thoughts from carnal desires have yet to wholly master this. Our inherent weakness makes us susceptible to unclean delights, easily distracted by memories of past pleasures, despite the Law’s prohibitions, while God beckons us towards a higher, infinitely better life. The path to virtue may be arduous, while the descent into vice is much simpler; the former demands effort, the latter is readily available. The law stipulates, “Let her weep for her father and her mother a month of days,” indicating that she will not immediately feel at home in your residence, as she will first reminisce about her family. Even those in captivity, granted opportunities for an indulgent life, often yearn for their homeland, parents, and city, finding it impossible not to consider their roots, sometimes shedding tears over their separation from their native land. This longing was similarly felt by the Jews; liberated from Egypt and harsh servitude, they were invited by God into a greater freedom, yet they reminisced about their past, lamenting, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt” (Numbers 14:2-3). The lawgiver highlights this struggle, suggesting that those who disengage from shameful worldly desires face difficulty in their departure, as reflected in the directive to “let him weep for his father and mother a month of days.”

Though the law does not explicitly command mourning, it acknowledges the need to allow the weak to grieve, emphasizing the importance of compassion for those struggling with such attachments, as they have yet to find patience in their trials. The law reflected a similar understanding towards the failures of the Israelites in the desert, tempering His anger and allowing for their shortcomings, recognizing their need for His grace amid their transgressions. Nevertheless, the fact that He does not always excuse our weaknesses is apparent, as He establishes a limited timeframe for mourning—a “month of days,” symbolizing a brief period. The divine Psalmist speaks to the Gentile Church, urging, “Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear; forget your own people, and your father’s house. So the King will greatly desire your beauty” (Psalm 45:10-11). The mourner is invited to weep for their parents for one month before becoming a wife. Freed from worldly concerns, we gradually bond with God through spiritual union, as “he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

This is why the Apostle instructs us against reclining in the temple, warning, "But if anyone sees you, who has knowledge, reclining in the temple, will not his conscience, which is weak, be emboldened to partake of the idol’s sacrifice? And through your knowledge, the weak brother will perish, for whom Christ died” (1 Corinthians 8:10-11). Here, it is suggested that we should avoid being comforted by teachings from philosophers, poets, or orators. Furthermore, even if we do not believe in what we read, others may still be affected by our engagement with such material; they may interpret our lack of condemnation as acceptance. If we disregard this understanding, how can we perceive the Apostle as endorsing the mindset of someone partaking in idol worship and labeling as blameless someone he knew to be involved in it? Hence, let us not utter phrases like "Almighty Jupiter," "O my Hercules," or "O Castor" as these names, which are more akin to monstrous beings than deities, should not be on a Christian's lips. Today we can observe even God’s priests, neglecting the gospel and the prophets, indulging in comedies and singing the romantic verses of pastoral poetry, even contemplating Virgil. What is permissible for children out of necessity becomes for them a source of sinful delight. Therefore, we must be vigilant not to recline in a temple if we wish to take a captive wife; and if we are drawn to her, we must purify her and rid her of all sinful illusions, lest our brother, for whom Christ died, be led astray by hearing in a Christian’s speech verses that glorify idols.