Exodus 21:10 meaning
In ancient Israel, laws regarding marriage and personal relationships were deeply influenced by societal norms and the treatment of women. Among these regulations, provisions were made to protect women who were taken as captives in wartime. This reflects a recognition of their dignity and the importance of consent—even in circumstances of war. The law allowed soldiers to marry female captives, but it imposed strict protocols to ensure fairness and respect. For example, after capturing a woman, the soldier was required to allow her time to mourn her family and adjust to her new circumstances before any marriage could take place. This is addressed in the context of the legal guidance presented in the scriptures.
The specific guideline acknowledges that if a soldier chose to marry a captive woman, he had to first bring her into his household and observe her for a month. This period was not merely a waiting time; it served multiple purposes, including allowing the soldier to explore his feelings for her beyond physical attraction and ensuring that he treated her not merely as a possession. The scripture highlights the complexity of such relationships and the value of compassion, aligning with God's desire for justice and mercy in human dealings, as seen in Exodus 21:10.
In the NASB95 translation, the verse states that husbands were to ensure they do not diminish their wife’s rights or relationships, emphasizing God’s design for mutual respect within the institution of marriage.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing: [email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 21:2-11 meaning. The first section of the Book of the Covenant concerns how male and female servants (or slaves) were to be treated.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 10:21-29 meaning. Verses 21 – 29 describe the ninth plague. As with the third and sixth plagues, it was unannounced. There was no bartering between Moses and Pharaoh, so there was no warning given. It involved a darkness that has never been seen in a country where the sun almost shines every day. As in previous plagues, Israel was not affected by this plague.
- Exodus 23:10-13 meaning. The LORD expands on the concept of the Sabbath to include a Sabbath year. The Israelites were to be very diligent in keeping the Sabbath day as well as the Sabbath year, and they were strongly warned to completely eliminate any conversation about other gods.
- Exodus 19:10-15 meaning. In verses 10-15, the LORD tells Moses to "consecrate" the people in order to prepare them for the making of the covenant. This process includes washing their clothes and respecting the restrictions concerning Mount Sinai. Moses did as the LORD commanded. On the third day, the LORD was going to come down on Mount Sinai to fellowship with His people who are before the mountain.
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