Genesis 38:8

8. Seed to thy brother Here is the first mention of levirate marriage . See our notes on Ruth, at the beginning of chapter 3 . “The custom,” says Keil, “is found in different forms among Indians, Persians, and other nations of Asia and Africa, and was not founded upon a divine command, but upon an ancient tradition, originating probably in Chaldea . It was not abolished, however, by the Mosaic law, (Deuteronomy 25:5,) but only so far restricted as not to allow it to interfere with the sanctity of marriage; and with this limitation it was enjoined as a duty of affection to build up the brother’s house, and to preserve his family and name . ”