If a man lies carnally with a slave girl promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. But they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. If a man lies carnally with a slave girlThis phrase addresses a specific situation involving sexual relations with a slave girl. In ancient Israel, slavery was a part of the social structure, and laws were given to regulate and protect those in servitude. The term "lies carnally" indicates a sexual act, which in this context, is outside the bounds of marriage. The law here seeks to address the moral and social implications of such an act. Gen 16:1-4 Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children,… promised to another man The slave girl is betrothed, indicating a formal agreement for marriage. Betrothal in ancient Israel was a binding contract, similar to marriage, and breaking it was considered a serious offense. This situation complicates the act, as it involves a breach of a future marital covenant. Deu 22:23-27 If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man… but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, The mention of redemption or freedom highlights the legal status of the slave girl. Redemption refers to the act of buying back or liberating a person from servitude, often through a financial transaction. The fact that she has not been redeemed or freed means she remains under the authority of her master, which affects the legal consequences of the act. Exo 21:2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you… there must be due punishment. The requirement for punishment underscores the seriousness of the offense. The law demands accountability and justice, reflecting God's concern for order and righteousness. The nature of the punishment would be determined by the judges, taking into account the circumstances and the status of the individuals involved. Deu 25:1-3 If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court… But they are not to be put to death, This clause provides a significant limitation on the punishment. Unlike adultery, which could warrant the death penalty under Mosaic Law, this situation does not meet the criteria for such a severe consequence. The distinction is made because the slave girl was not free, and thus, the full weight of the law for adultery does not apply. Deu 24:16 Fathers shall not be put to death for their children,… because she had not been freed. The lack of freedom is a crucial factor in the legal decision. It implies that the slave girl did not have the autonomy to fully consent or refuse the act, which mitigates the severity of the punishment. This reflects a nuanced understanding of justice, taking into account the social and legal constraints on individuals in servitude. Exo 21:7-11 And if a man sells his daughter as a servant,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Slave GirlA female servant who is not free and is under the ownership of another person. In this context, she is promised to another man but has not yet been redeemed or freed. 2. Man The individual who engages in sexual relations with the slave girl. His actions are subject to punishment according to the law. 3. Promised to Another Man The slave girl is betrothed or engaged to another man, indicating a future commitment that has not yet been fulfilled due to her status. 4. Redemption/Freedom The process by which a slave could be set free, often involving a payment or fulfillment of certain conditions. 5. Due Punishment The consequence prescribed by the law for the man’s actions, which does not include the death penalty due to the specific circumstances of the slave girl's status. Teaching Points Understanding Contextual JusticeThe law in Leviticus 19:20 reflects a balance between justice and mercy, recognizing the complex social dynamics of slavery and betrothal. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context when applying justice. Value of Human Dignity Even within the constraints of ancient societal norms, the law acknowledges the dignity of the slave girl by prescribing punishment for the man, highlighting the intrinsic value of every individual. Redemption and Freedom The concept of redemption is central to this passage, pointing to the greater spiritual truth of redemption through Christ. Believers are called to live in the freedom that comes from being redeemed by Jesus. Moral Responsibility The passage underscores the moral responsibility of individuals to act justly and honor commitments, even when societal structures complicate personal relationships. Mercy and Consequences While the law prescribes punishment, it also shows mercy by not imposing the death penalty. This reflects God's character as both just and merciful, encouraging believers to seek a balance of justice and mercy in their own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the context of slavery in ancient Israel help us understand the laws in Leviticus 19:20, and what can we learn about justice from this passage?2. In what ways does the concept of redemption in this passage point to the spiritual redemption offered through Christ? 3. How can we apply the principles of justice and mercy found in Leviticus 19:20 to modern-day situations involving complex social and moral issues? 4. What does this passage teach us about the value of human dignity, and how can we uphold this value in our interactions with others? 5. How do the additional scriptures connected to this passage enhance our understanding of God's laws regarding sexual morality and personal responsibility? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:7-11Discusses the rights and treatment of female slaves, providing context for the social and legal status of slave girls in Israelite society. Deuteronomy 22:23-24 Addresses the laws concerning sexual immorality and the consequences for those involved, offering a broader understanding of the legal framework for sexual conduct. 1 Corinthians 7:21-23 Paul speaks about the status of slaves and the call to live as free people in Christ, which can be related to the concept of spiritual freedom and redemption.
People Ephah, MosesPlaces Egypt, TemanTopics Acquired, Betrothed, Bondmaid, Bond-maid, Bondwoman, Carnally, Chastisement, Copulation, Death, Designated, Due, Free, Freed, Freedom, Girl, Held, However, Husband, Inquiry, Inquisition, Investigation, Lie, Lies, Lieth, Maid-servant, Married, Pledged, Price, Promised, Punished, Punishment, Ransomed, Really, Redeemed, Relations, Scourged, Seed, Servant-woman, Sex, Slave, Sleeps, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 19:20-22 6175 guilt, removal of Library February the Thirteenth Grudges"Thou shalt not bear any grudge." --LEVITICUS xix. 11-18. How searching is that demand upon the soul! My forgiveness of my brother is to be complete. No sullenness is to remain, no sulky temper which so easily gives birth to thunder and lightning. There is to be no painful aloofness, no assumption of a superiority which rains contempt upon the offender. When I forgive, I am not to carry any powder forward on the journey. I am to empty out all my explosives, all my ammunition of anger and revenge. … John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. Commerce The Law of Love Love and the Day List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work. The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament How those are to be Admonished who do Bad Things Secretly and Good Things Openly, and those who do Contrariwise. The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a Man, with Bands of Love: and I was to them as they that Take Off the Yoke on their Jaws, and I Laid Meat unto Them. " --Hosea xi. 4. That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are Most Necessary to a Faithful Soul Parable of the Good Samaritan. Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times. The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is Neighbour to Us: the First, Concerning the Love That, Unasked, Gives in Our But if no Authority for Lying Can be Alleged... The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament Eligius, Bishop of Noyon. Secondly, for Thy Words. The Eighth Commandment The Fifth Commandment Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold. Links Leviticus 19:20 NIVLeviticus 19:20 NLT Leviticus 19:20 ESV Leviticus 19:20 NASB Leviticus 19:20 KJV Leviticus 19:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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