Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite society, the practice of selling a daughter into concubinage is addressed within the Mosaic Law, specifically in the Book of Exodus. This practice, while foreign and unsettling to modern sensibilities, must be understood within the historical and cultural framework of the ancient Near East, where such arrangements were often seen as a means of providing for the daughter and ensuring her future security.Biblical Reference: The primary scriptural reference to this practice is found in Exodus 21:7-11. The Berean Standard Bible states: "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who has designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. And if he has designated her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. If he takes another wife, he must not reduce her food, clothing, or marital rights. If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without payment of money." Cultural and Legal Context: In ancient Israel, the sale of a daughter into concubinage was not merely a commercial transaction but a familial arrangement that carried specific legal and moral obligations. The term "concubinage" in this context refers to a form of marriage that, while not granting the full status of a wife, still required the husband or master to provide for the woman and treat her with dignity. The law in Exodus 21:7-11 outlines several protections for the daughter: 1. Redemption Rights: If the master is displeased with her, he must allow her to be redeemed, indicating that her family or another party could buy her freedom. 2. Prohibition Against Foreign Sale: The master is forbidden from selling her to foreigners, which would have likely resulted in her being cut off from her family and community. 3. Treatment as a Daughter: If the master designates her for his son, she must be treated as a daughter, implying a level of respect and care akin to that of a family member. 4. Provision of Essentials: The master is required to provide her with food, clothing, and marital rights. Failure to do so grants her the right to freedom without financial cost. Moral and Theological Considerations: From a theological perspective, these laws reflect the broader biblical principles of justice, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable. While the practice itself may seem harsh by contemporary standards, the regulations provided by the Mosaic Law aimed to mitigate potential abuses and ensure that the woman was treated with a degree of fairness and humanity. The inclusion of these laws in the biblical text underscores the importance of social justice and the protection of those who might otherwise be exploited. It also highlights the progressive nature of the Mosaic Law in its historical context, as it sought to provide rights and protections for individuals who were often marginalized in ancient societies. In summary, the biblical regulations concerning a daughter sold into concubinage reveal a complex interplay of cultural norms, legal obligations, and moral imperatives, all aimed at safeguarding the dignity and well-being of the individual within the covenant community of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 21:7-10And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do. Nave's Topical Index Library Fresh Troubles Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Resources What does the Bible mean when it refers to a “Daughter of Zion”? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jephthah sacrifice his daughter to the Lord? | GotQuestions.org In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son? | GotQuestions.org Daughter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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