Biblical Analysis: Deuteronomy 22:28-29 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Biblical Analysis: Deuteronomy 22:28-29

"So, why would they 'sell' a woman to her rapist? I'm glad to explain..."

513
Biblical Analysis: Deuteronomy 22:28-29
Huffington Post

Deuteronomy 22:28-29

28 If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered,29 he shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.

So, you may or may not have come across this image on Facebook, Tumblr, or some other social network.

If you haven't, well, now you've seen it up close and personal. I'm not going to pretend I know everything about the Satanic Bible, nor the Quran. However, I am a Christian and I know a thing or two about the Holy Bible. So, without further ado, I am going to go ahead and elaborate.

Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains around 40 different books. So, judging that the New Testament takes place about 2,000 years ago, can you imagine how long ago the book of Deuteronomy took place?

Based on that, you should know that this was so long ago that things have changed. All ancient civilizations had practices that we, several thousands of years later, would consider somewhat peculiar. So, why would they "sell" a woman to her rapist? I'm glad to explain, because there are too many people who don't understand the concept of why it was done and how it was actually more helpful than hurtful.

Back in those days, women did not have the same rights as women do now. As an example, women in the United States couldn't even vote until the early 1900s. To compare the way women are looked at now to the way women were looked at then is unrealistic.

With all the equal rights hoopla going on right now, it's hard to imagine a world where women could not support themselves. However, back in that time, a woman was looked at like property and she had to marry to be supported. Not only that, but if she were to become impure by sexual assault, nobody would marry her. Ergo, she would not be able to support herself. She would starve and die.

The idea of her being "sold" to her rapist was basically a form of "You break it, you buy it." The purpose of this standard was to hold the man responsible for his actions, to ensure support for the woman, and to act as a deterrent to rape in that society.

"...he shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver." The rapist was not allowed to just rape her and walk away. Since he violated her, he had to face her father, pay the full price for her, and then treat her with honor for the rest of her life. For the rapist, that would be a major social embarrassment, which is why it worked as a deterrent.

To take these verses out of context and construe them as some sort of injustice to the victim is an incorrect interpretation of the passage. God put this law in place as a protection to the women, not as a punishment.

This viral image was clearly made under the influence of the father of all lies.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2980
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2566
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments