With reference to the inhabitants of surrounding nations ​ — people who did not serve Jehovah — ​ the Israelites were instructed: “You must not form any marriage alliances with them.
Viidates ümberkaudsetele rahvastele, kes teenisid teisi jumalaid, andis Jehoova Moosese kaudu iisraellastele teada: „Te ei tohi nendega abielusid sõlmida.