Prov. xviii. 9. Job xxx. 29.BROTHER. This word is understood, not only in the common and literal Signification of it, but likewise in general for a Relation, a Man of the same Country, of the same Nation, and still more universally for a Man in general, for our Neighbour, in the notion which our Saviour requires us to have of all the World, and whom he hath commanded us to love as our selves.
Brother is likewise used sometimes for one who resembles another in either good or evil; He that is slothful in his work, is brother to him that is a great waster. And Job, I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to ostriches. I have imitated them in their doleful cries, and in their flying from Ecclus. xxxiv. 27.Mankind. And Ecclesiasticus, He that sheddeth blood, and he who defraudeth the labourer of his hire, are brothers. These two crimes are equal.
Brother is likewise to be understood for Friend, or Husband, as Sister, for Wife. O Cant. viii. 1. Cant. iv. 9.that thou wert as my brother that sucked the breasts of my mother! And, Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse. A nd Job, I said to the worm thou art Prov. vii.my sister. And Solomon in his Proverbs, Say unto Wisdom, Thou art my sister.
According to the Law of Moses, the Deut. xxv.Brother of a Man who died without Children, was obliged to marry the Widow of the deceased, in order to raise up Children to him, that his name and memory might not be extinct in Israel. See lower the Article Widow.