Esau’s wives are mentioned several times in the Bible. He married Judith and Basemath, both Hittites (Gen 26:34) and Mahalath, a descendant of Ishmael (Gen 28:8-9); he also married Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite, all women from Canaan (Gen 36:1-2).

This intermarrying was frowned on by God and would be a continual source of problems for both Esau and his parents and remained a problem for the people of God throughout history(see also Ezra 9:1-15). Solomon’s reign started well, but his heart’s devotion to God was led astray by his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:1-6); marrying outside the faith was seen as unfaithfulness to God (Ezra 9:2).

Even today, Paul reminds Christians of the dangers of being yoked to unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14) and urges Christians to marry those who belong to the Lord (1 Cor 7:39). The question of marriage is a huge commitment, a lifelong tie, and for believers this must always be seen as a decision fundamental to faith, not mere fancy.

God is in control and has His people’s best interests at heart. The prohibition on marrying outside the faith is not made out of a desire to spoil our fun or limit us, but to guard our hearts, protect us from the devastating hurt of broken relationships and help us on our journey of faith. It’s better not to marry at all than to marry someone who will not help us serve and worship the Lord who has saved us.

Choose wisely in this vitally important area and ask for God’s help when it comes to the question of marriage!