Bible references

Key NT Scriptures

• 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Key OT Scriptures

• Deuteronomy 7:1-4
  Jewish Commentary
• Deuteronomy 22:9-11
  Jewish Commentary
• Leviticus 19:19
  Jewish Commentary
• Leviticus 21:2-3
  Jewish Commentary
• Numbers 25:1-3
  Jewish Commentary

Supportive NT Scriptures

• Matthew 6:24

Supportive OT Scriptures

• Exodus 23:32-33
  Jewish Commentary

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Commentary

Rabbi Michael Rudolph

The Scriptures supporting this mitzvah appear to have three dissimilar themes: agriculture, marriage, and idolatry. What they all have in common, however, are sets of things that work in opposition to each other, causing a nullification of positive value that one of them alone might otherwise have had. First, the agricultural examples: (1) that we not yoke an ox and a donkey together to a plow, (2) that we not wear garments with wool and linen woven together, and (3) that we not sow two kinds of seeds in fields and in vineyards. The traditional explanation for not working two kinds of animals together is that it is cruel to the animals since the stronger of the two will drag the weaker one, and the weaker of the two will impede the stronger one. An additional observation offered here is that the work that either of the animals could do alone is impeded by their having to pull against each other. Maimonides' explanation (echoed by HaChinuch) for not wearing wool and linen woven together is that such a fabric was worn by the heathen priests in Egypt. From a different point of view and the one I offer here is that wool and linen shrink different amounts after they are wet, so if they are woven together, they pull against each other when they dry and weaken the fabric. HaChinuch's explanation for not sowing two kinds of seed is that it is an extension of the prohibition against mating mixed species. From a different point of view and the one I offer here is that different species of plants absorb nutrients from the soil in different proportions, so when they are planted close together they compete for the nutrients to the detriment of both. Consider the marriage examples next: 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 explains it best (although marriage is not mentioned in that Scripture) when it states: What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can there be between the temple of God and idols? Without agreement on spiritual things between husband and wife, the husband cannot lead the wife, they pull in different directions, and destruction follows, sometimes with the believer compromising his or her faith. Finally, consider the idolatry examples: Israel was prohibited from making covenants with heathen nations and intermarrying with their sons and daughters for the same reason as was stated between believers and unbelievers. God predicted that if that happened, Israelites would be lured away from God and into idol worship, as He said in Deuteronomy 7:4 : For he will turn your children away from following me in order to serve other gods. Whereas, the classical commentators tend to interpret the Scriptures of this mitzvah according to the plain meaning of their words and separate from each other, I see them as connected by their common thread of forces pulling against each other. Clearly, the weight of this Mitzvah 's application is that, if we belong to God, we must not yoke ourselves with anything or anyone who is not of God. Marriage is the most obvious example, followed perhaps by other partnerships like business partnerships. People who do not believe similarly about God hold different values, and take different ethical and moral positions on things. This either causes the believer to compromise, or it breaks up the partnership. As Matthew 6:24 states: No one can be slave to two masters. If 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 were the only subject of this Mitzvah I could have given it the more narrow title "Being Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers". I did not, because but even in a partnership between two believers, the partnership is unwise if the partners see things very differently and respond accordingly. In this, the Scriptures have very far-reaching wisdom.

Classical commentators

None of Maimonides', Meir's, or HaChinuch's mitzvot oppose unequal yoking in general. Rather, their mitzvot speak to specific prohibitions against combining dissimilar items combinations; Maimonides' mitzvot prohibiting such combinations are as follows: RN42: Not wearing cloth made from both wool and linen. RN52: Not marrying an heretic. RN158: A priest not marrying a harlot. RN159: A priest not marrying a profaned woman. RN215: Not sowing two kinds of seeds. RN216: Not sowing grain or vegetables among grape vines. RN218: Not working a field with two different kinds of animals.

Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2

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Based on The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective by Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster.

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Disclaimer: the original content is authored by Rabbi Michael Rudolph and Rabbi Daniel Juster; additional notes or implementation details on this website are not part of their original work and do not represent their views.

Record source: The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 1 & 2

Copyright note: Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2