“And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife; Deuteronomy 21:11 (KJV)”
Verse:“And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. It contains a collection of laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses before they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 21:11 falls within a section where laws related to warfare, justice, and marriage are discussed.
Cultural Context:This verse addresses the scenario when an Israelite soldier sees a beautiful woman among the captives of a conquered city and desires to take her as his wife.
Protection of Captives:In ancient times, it was common for victorious armies to take captives as slaves or to abuse them in various ways. However, God provided laws to regulate the treatment of captives. In this case, the law acknowledged the reality of a soldier’s desire for a captive woman but also aimed to protect her rights and ensure proper treatment.
Recognition of Desire:The verse acknowledges that the soldier may have a natural desire for the beautiful woman he sees among the captives. Desire itself is not condemned, but the subsequent actions are regulated.
Desire Leading to Marriage:The verse suggests that if a soldier desires the captive woman and wishes to marry her, there is a process to follow. The intent is to ensure that the woman is not exploited but is treated as a wife according to the cultural norms of that time.
Consideration of Rights:While the verse recognizes the soldier’s desire, it also implies that the woman has a say in the matter. It suggests that if the soldier desires to marry her, he must respect her rights and follow the appropriate procedures.
Further Regulations:The following verses (Deuteronomy 21:12-14) provide additional guidelines for handling the situation, including giving the woman time to mourn her family, performing specific rituals, and allowing her the opportunity to leave if she desires.
Application and Lessons:This passage reflects God’s concern for justice, even in the context of war and conquest. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, even in situations where personal desires may be involved. The passage also highlights the value of following established procedures and considering the rights and well-being of others.
It’s essential to note that while the Bible contains historical and cultural contexts like this, Christians interpret and apply such passages in light of the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, which emphasize love, grace, and equality among believers.
