Deuteronomy 21:11

if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife,

Study Bible

if you see a beautiful woman among them,
This phrase occurs in the context of warfare, where the Israelites are given instructions on how to handle captives. The "beautiful woman" refers to a captive from a conquered nation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was common for victors to take captives, including women, as part of the spoils of war. The emphasis on "beautiful" highlights the natural human attraction and the potential for desire, which is addressed in the subsequent instructions. This reflects the reality of human emotions and the need for regulation in such situations.

and you desire her
The desire mentioned here is a natural human response, but it is regulated by the law to prevent abuse and ensure the dignity of the woman. This regulation is significant in the ancient context, where women could be easily exploited. The law acknowledges human emotions but provides a framework to channel them appropriately. This reflects the biblical principle of self-control and respect for others, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, which calls for sanctification and honor in relationships.

and want to take her as your wife,
The desire to take the woman as a wife rather than a concubine or slave indicates a level of commitment and responsibility. The law requires the man to marry the woman, which grants her certain rights and protections under Israelite law. This is a significant departure from the practices of surrounding nations, where captives could be treated as property. The requirement for marriage aligns with the biblical view of marriage as a covenant relationship, as seen in Genesis 2:24. This also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:31-33, where marriage is a picture of Christ's relationship with the Church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people receiving the law, God's chosen nation, who are being instructed on how to conduct themselves in various situations, including warfare.

2. Captives
Individuals taken during warfare, often from enemy nations, who are subject to the laws and customs of the victors.

3. Beautiful Woman
A specific captive who catches the eye of an Israelite soldier, prompting specific instructions on how to proceed if he desires to marry her.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the one through whom God delivers these laws and instructions.

5. Warfare
The context in which these instructions are given, as the Israelites engage in battles with surrounding nations.

Teaching Points

Respect and Dignity
The law provides a framework for treating captives with respect, emphasizing the dignity of the individual, even in the context of war.

Marriage as Covenant
The passage underscores the seriousness of marriage as a covenant, not merely a transaction or acquisition, even when involving a captive.

Cultural Sensitivity
The instructions reflect an awareness of cultural differences and the need for sensitivity when integrating someone from a different background into the community.

God's Sovereignty in Relationships
This law reminds us that God is sovereign over all relationships, and His laws are designed to guide us in righteousness and justice.

Moral Restraint in Times of War
Even in the chaos of war, God's people are called to exercise moral restraint and adhere to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Deuteronomy 21:11 reflect God's concern for justice and dignity, even for those who are captives?

2. In what ways does this passage challenge our modern understanding of marriage and relationships?

3. How can the principles found in Deuteronomy 21:11 be applied to situations where cultural differences are present in relationships today?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of moral restraint and ethical behavior, even in difficult circumstances?

5. How can we apply the concept of God's sovereignty in relationships to our own lives, especially when faced with challenging relational dynamics?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:7-11
Discusses the treatment of female servants, providing a broader context for how women were to be treated under the law.

Numbers 31:18
Offers additional insight into the treatment of captives, particularly women, during wartime.

1 Corinthians 7:12-16
Provides New Testament guidance on marriage, including situations where one spouse is a believer and the other is not, which can relate to the integration of a foreign wife.