What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 22:19? They are also to fine him a hundred shekels of silver • The law imposes a substantial monetary penalty—around two and a half pounds of silver—to demonstrate how seriously God views false accusation (Exodus 22:16–17; Deuteronomy 22:29). • The amount surpasses an ordinary bride-price, underscoring that slander against a woman’s purity is an offense not only against her but against the covenant community (Leviticus 19:16). • By attaching real cost, the law discourages reckless words and protects the vulnerable (Proverbs 19:5; Matthew 12:36). and give them to the young woman’s father • The father, as family head, suffered social and economic loss from the accusation (Genesis 34:12). • Compensation restores honor and offers tangible support for any dowry now in doubt (1 Samuel 18:25). • The transfer signals public vindication; the community witnesses that the family’s reputation is cleared (Ruth 4:9-11). because this man has given a virgin of Israel a bad name • Reputation matters to God; a “good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). • False testimony breaks the ninth commandment (Deuteronomy 5:20), wounds relationships, and disrupts covenantal trust (Psalm 15:2-3). • The label “virgin of Israel” highlights her covenant identity; slandering her purity assaults the holiness of God’s people (1 Peter 2:9). And she shall remain his wife • Having proven her innocence, the marriage stands; nothing bars full marital rights (Exodus 21:10). • The command protects the woman from being discarded after scandal, ensuring lifelong provision (Malachi 2:14). • Their union now testifies to God’s design: “What God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). he must not divorce her as long as he lives • Permanent prohibition on divorce closes any loophole the accuser might seek (Deuteronomy 24:1-4 contrasts a permitted divorce elsewhere). • The stipulation affirms marriage as covenant, not contract, echoing God’s enduring faithfulness (Hosea 2:19-20). • Jesus later points back to the hardness of heart behind divorce, calling His followers to the original lifelong ideal (Matthew 19:8-9). summary Deuteronomy 22:19 establishes a three-fold safeguard: a heavy fine to penalize slander, public restitution to restore family honor, and an unbreakable marriage bond to secure the woman’s future. Together these measures uphold truth, protect purity, and reflect God’s unwavering commitment to justice and covenant faithfulness. |
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