Not to refrain from marrying a third generation Edomite convert

This mitzvah prohibits excluding Edomite converts from joining the Jewish people once they reach the third generation. Although the Torah restricts the first two generations, the third is explicitly permitted, ensuring fairness and preventing permanent exclusion. The Torah reminds us that the Edomites are our kin, descendants of Esav, and therefore must not be treated as permanently alienated once they have accepted Hashem’s covenant.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi’ah 12:23): Rules that Edomite and Egyptian converts are permitted to marry into Israel beginning in the third generation.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 565): The root is to establish justice and compassion, showing that while past enmity is acknowledged, it must not extend forever to descendants.
• Talmud (Yevamot 76a): Derives the law permitting marriage in the third generation and distinguishes it from the eternal prohibition on Ammonite and Moabite males.