How can we apply the principles of Exodus 21:11 in modern relationships? Setting the Scene “If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to be set free without monetary payment.” – Exodus 21:11 This statute follows the command in verse 10 that a husband must not diminish his wife’s food, clothing, or marital rights. God establishes a safeguard for the vulnerable: if a husband refuses to meet these obligations, the woman is released, cost-free. The Lord’s heart for justice and care shines through. Timeless Principles Highlighted • Covenant faithfulness safeguards the vulnerable. • Material provision, emotional intimacy, and personal dignity are non-negotiable. • God intervenes when the strong neglect the weak. Scripture Echoes • Proverbs 31:11-12 – “The heart of her husband trusts in her... she brings him good, not harm.” • Ephesians 5:28-29 – “Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies… no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it.” • 1 Peter 3:7 – “Husbands… grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.” Living It Out Today 1. Safeguard basic needs • Ensure food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare for spouse and children. • Budget with generosity, not bare minimums (1 Timothy 5:8). 2. Cultivate emotional and spiritual intimacy • Set aside screen-free, talk-rich time each day. • Pray together; share Scripture that encourages (Colossians 3:16). 3. Honor marital rights • Prioritize healthy physical affection (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). • Uphold exclusivity—no emotional or digital substitutes. 4. Provide a path of safety • No toleration for abuse; the church should defend the oppressed (Psalm 82:3-4). • Create accountability structures—trusted elders, mentors, counselors. 5. Model covenant faithfulness in all relationships • Employers: pay fair wages on time (James 5:4). • Friends: keep promises, respect boundaries (Matthew 5:37). • Church members: carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Guardrails for Both Husbands and Wives • Regular heart checks: Am I withholding provision, affection, or honor? • Quick repentance and restitution when convicted. • Invite wise voices to speak in before neglect becomes chronic. Encouragement God’s law in Exodus 21:11 protects those who could not protect themselves. When we mirror that heart—meeting needs, honoring dignity, and offering freedom from harm—we display the gospel, “submitting to one another in the fear of Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). |
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