Luke 14:20. I have married a wife. According to the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 24:5), a newly married man was free from military duty for a year. Hence the abrupt tone: and therefore I cannot come. Home engagements are often the most pressing, as they are also when sanctified the most pious, but the excuse was not valid: the invitation had been accepted before, the wife should have been induced to go with him, etc. Back of all this lies the thought, that worldly gratification hindered this one.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament