Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical law, the treatment and consequences for a young woman who is seduced while betrothed are addressed with specific instructions. The biblical framework for understanding these situations is rooted in the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament.
The primary scriptural reference for this topic is found in
Deuteronomy 22:23-24. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states:
"If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you."
This passage highlights several key elements:
1.
Betrothal as Binding: In ancient Israel, betrothal was considered as binding as marriage itself. A betrothed woman was regarded as a man's wife, even though the marriage had not yet been consummated. Therefore, any sexual relations with a betrothed woman by another man were considered a grave offense.
2.
Consent and Responsibility: The law distinguishes between consensual and non-consensual acts. The expectation was that if the act occurred within the city, the woman should have cried out for help, implying that her silence indicated consent. This reflects the societal norms and expectations of the time regarding a woman's role in protecting her chastity.
3.
Punishment for Both Parties: The prescribed punishment for both the man and the woman involved in the act was stoning. This severe penalty underscores the seriousness with which such transgressions were viewed, aiming to maintain social order and moral integrity within the community.
4.
Purging Evil: The directive to "purge the evil from among you" emphasizes the communal responsibility to uphold divine law and moral standards. The punishment served as a deterrent to others and a means of preserving the sanctity of marriage and betrothal.
It is important to note that these laws were given within a specific historical and cultural context. The principles behind them reflect the values and societal structures of ancient Israel, where maintaining family honor and community purity were of utmost importance. The biblical text provides insight into the legal and moral framework of the time, illustrating the gravity of sexual immorality and the measures taken to address it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 22:23-27If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed to an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Against Jovinianus.
... Fratricide and digamy were abolished by the same punishment"that of the deluge. ... the
judgement of God cutting short repeated marriages, a young woman may have ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm
Resources
Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.orgWoman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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