Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Re-reading Genesis 24:55b–60 in the context of marriage by proxy in Awkunanaw, Enugu State
Submitted: 30 July 2024 | Published: 06 November 2024
About the author(s)
Chisom S. Ugwuewo, Department of General Studies/JUPEB, Faculty of Education and Arts, Madonna University of Nigeria, Okija Campus, Okija, Nigeria; and Department of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaMary J. Obiorah, Department of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; and Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Damian O. Odo, Department of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; and Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Abstract
Genesis 24:55–60 takes cognisance of the right of a damsel in marriage arrangement. The study aims to examine Genesis 24:55–60 in the context of marriage by proxy in Awkunanaw, Enugu State, Nigeria. The methodology employed in this study is narrative analysis. The findings of the research indicate that marriage by proxy has been a longstanding practice in ancient Awkunanaw. The approach to this practice has evolved between ancient Awkunanaw and contemporary Awkunanaw. The study also reveals that damsels were granted the right to choose their life partners within the socio-cultural context of Genesis 24:55–60. The Hebrew phrase supporting this claim is niqrä’ lanna‘árä, meaning ‘we will call to the girl’. This suggests that Rebekah, the damsel in the text, consented to the marriage made on her behalf. Therefore, the study recommends that parents and guardians in contemporary Awkunanaw should adopt the socio-cultural practices of Laban’s society, as indicated in the study, to help curb the state of chaos within families in Awkunanaw.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This study emphasises the need to advocate for the rights of young women in Awkunanaw concerning marriage by proxy. It indicates that allowing a woman to choose her marriage partner would help reduce domestic violence and other marital crises in Nigeria, particularly in Awkunanaw.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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