What responsibilities are outlined for the man in Deuteronomy 22:28? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 22:28–29 appears in a section of Mosaic Law that regulates relationships, property, and community honor. Here Scripture addresses what happens when a man takes sexual advantage of an unbetrothed virgin. Key Passage “Suppose a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged to be married, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered. The man who lay with her must give the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He may never divorce her as long as he lives.” (Deuteronomy 22:28-29) Responsibilities Placed on the Man • Pay restitution: “fifty shekels of silver” to the woman’s father—roughly a bride-price recognizing the harm done. • Marry the woman: he “must” make her his wife, thereby providing for her honor and future. • Lifelong commitment: “He may never divorce her as long as he lives,” removing any option of casting her aside later. Why These Duties Matter • Protection of the woman’s dignity and economic security in a society where virginity affected marriage prospects. • Public affirmation that sexual intimacy belongs within the permanent covenant of marriage (cf. Genesis 2:24). • Clear accountability: the man bears full financial and relational responsibility for his action. Parallels and Reinforcement • Exodus 22:16-17: the seducer must pay the bride-price and marry, unless the father refuses. • 1 Corinthians 7:2: “because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife.” • Deuteronomy 24:1-4 shows normal divorce provisions, making the lifelong ban here even more stringent—underscoring the seriousness of the offense. Living It Out Today • Sexual relations carry covenantal weight; men are called to honor women and reserve intimacy for marriage. • True repentance includes restitution and ongoing responsibility. • Marriage is designed as a lifelong promise; faithfulness reflects God’s steadfast love (Ephesians 5:25-28). |
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