“Suppose you go out to war against your enemies and the LORD your God hands them over to you, and you take some of them as captives. And suppose you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you are attracted to her and want to marry her. If this happens, you may take her to your home, where she must shave her head, cut her nails, and change the clothes she was wearing when she was captured. She will stay in your home, but let her mourn for her father and mother for a full month. Then you may marry her, and you will be her husband and she will be your wife. But if you marry her and she does not please you, you must let her go free. You may not sell her or treat her as a slave, for you have humiliated her. [Deuteronomy 21.10-14]
Your average fool would not attempt to discuss this passage of scripture!
However, just because there is a glaring clash of cultures made evident by certain passages of the Bible does not mean there is not a lesson in those scriptures.
Mentioned in this passage from Deuteronomy are the subjects of war, slavery, marriage, and termination of marriage. In the context of the passage, none of the four subjects is spoken of as "wrong" in and of itself. In fact, the context of the passage would suggest that all four subjects had a place in society at the time.
Perhaps my foolishness know no bounds, but I want to think about these subjects today and see what the Lord is saying through them.
First, war is mentioned as a reality of life. Within the context of war, the Bible indicates that God may be for one side or another. In other words, God might side with one group over another. Really? Yes, really.
Next, within the context of war, taking captives (slaves) is not forbidden. Instead, instruction is given within this context of slavery for taking a wife from those captives. Really? Yes, really.
Then there is marriage. But not just your Hallmark movie consensual romance and marriage either. Equal rights arguments are not made here. The man is given specific instructions for taking a wife from the captives of war to be his wife with no choice on the woman's behalf whatsoever. Really? Yes, really.
And finally, termination of marriage (divorce?) is mentioned. However, in this particular context termination of marriage is permitted if the slave-turned-wife does not please the husband. Really? Yes, really.
How do we make sense of this?
Well, culturally, we simply cannot conceive the culture of the times in which this was written. For us to condemn such practices is probably dangerous because we risk condemning God. If these practices were wrong, why would not God have simply condemned them instead of regulating them? On the other hand, to declare that God's regulation of these practices signifies His approval of them creates a firestorm of ridicule and angst against the declarer by modern society.
For what it is worth, the very next subject following the passage noted above (starting with verse 15) is in regard to the Rights of the Firstborn. And, in that context, polygamy is regulated instead of condemned. Really? Yes, really (not to mention the preferential treatment of one child over another).
Bottom line: I don't have a clue. There is so much in this passage that sucker-punches what we believe about the subjects it mentions that it would just be easier to rip its pages from the Bible. But, even if we did that, would it erase the question in our minds about it? Would we not be putting ourselves in the place of God if we simply deny it is part of the Bible any longer?
I think there is actually a lesson hidden in this passage for us. I think it must have to do with the whole husband and wife thing (not to mention the war thing). There is no question that God always refers to Himself as the "husband" throughout the Bible. Likewise, we are referred to as the "wife" or "bride." It would be prudent to consider that "war" is an ongoing theme in the Bible concerning all things spiritual too. And, slavery is documented throughout the Bible and has distinct reference to the condition of a lost soul.
I think it behooves each of us to seek the truth of God as it pertains to this passage. I know I remain confused, but open to learning what God has to say through it all.
Father, I really thought I might get some revelation today concerning these difficult verses in Your Word. But not yet... I will continue to seek You and Your Truth - show me that Truth when I am prepared to receive it.
No comments:
Post a Comment