What role do the "girl's father and mother" play in Deuteronomy 22:15? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 22:15: “then the girl’s father and mother shall bring proof of her virginity to the city elders at the gate.” Why This Law Exists • Protects innocent young women from false accusation • Upholds marital faithfulness and public morality • Establishes due process so justice is not left to rumor or vengeance What the Father Does • Leads the defense—he publicly answers the accusation (v. 16) • Presents tangible evidence of his daughter’s virginity (v. 17) • Safeguards family honor and lineage (Numbers 27:1-11 shows fathers’ legal standing) • Bears financial responsibility if the accusation is proven false or true (vv. 18-19; Exodus 22:16-17) What the Mother Does • Stands beside her husband, confirming the testimony (Proverbs 31:26-28 shows motherly wisdom and honor) • Takes part in producing the physical evidence—likely the marriage cloth kept by her (traditional Near-Eastern practice) • Models righteous support for her daughter, strengthening the girl’s credibility before male elders (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5 for maternal influence) Combined Parental Role • Unified witness—two are better than one (Deuteronomy 19:15) • First line of defense for their child, embodying the Fifth Commandment family structure (Exodus 20:12) • Participants in covenant community justice—bringing the matter “to the gate,” the place of legal decision (Ruth 4:1-11) • Bearers of potential penalty if deceitful—underscoring the seriousness of truthful testimony (Acts 5:1-10 shows New-Testament parallel) Practical Insights for Today • Parents remain key in protecting children’s reputations and spiritual purity • Homes should preserve evidence of integrity (Proverbs 22:1—“a good name is more desirable than great riches”) • Fathers and mothers must present a united front when truth is challenged • The local church, like Israel’s gate, ought to honor due process and uphold righteousness (Matthew 18:15-17) Summary In Deuteronomy 22:15 God entrusts the girl’s father and mother with the solemn duty of defending their daughter’s purity before the elders. Their joint testimony, tangible evidence, and courageous presence illustrate parental responsibility to protect truth, guard family honor, and maintain justice within the covenant community. |
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