Deuteronomy 20:7 - What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.”
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What does "Deuteronomy 20:7" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 20:7 is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 20 outlining exemptions from military service for the Israelites. It offers a specific exemption for a man who is engaged to be married but hasn't yet completed the marriage ceremony.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her?" This refers to a man who is engaged or betrothed, but the marriage hasn't been consummated or fully finalized (which involved a specific ceremony in that culture).
"Let him go and return to his house..." He is granted an exemption from military service. He is allowed to go home.
"...lest he die in the battle, and another man take her." This provides the reasoning for the exemption. The verse suggests that if the man were to die in battle before marrying his betrothed, another man might take her as his wife (either through marriage or through other means permissible at the time). This likely reflects concerns about the vulnerability of unmarried women in ancient Israelite society and perhaps also a desire to ensure the continuation of family lines. It was important that a man would marry his betrothed so the land would not be taken by another family line.
In essence, the verse is designed to:
Protect the potential husband's right to his marriage. It acknowledges the man's commitment and grants him the opportunity to establish his marriage.
Protect the woman's potential status and security. It ensures she isn't left vulnerable and without a husband due to the war.
Maintain social order and stability. It prevents potential conflicts arising from another man taking the betrothed woman.
Reflect societal values. It underscores the importance of marriage and family.
Context within Deuteronomy 20:
This verse is one of several exemptions outlined in Deuteronomy 20. Other exemptions are granted for:
Men who have recently built a new house but haven't lived in it yet.
Men who have planted a vineyard but haven't enjoyed its fruit yet.
Men who are afraid or fainthearted.
All these exemptions share a common theme: protecting basic human needs and ensuring a stable home life for the Israelite soldiers. The aim was to have a fighting force that was committed and not distracted by personal anxieties. The army was not a place to send someone who might be more concerned with something else, as they would be a liability.
Deuteronomy 20:7 - What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.”
What does "Deuteronomy 20:7" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 20:7 is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 20 outlining exemptions from military service for the Israelites. It offers a specific exemption for a man who is engaged to be married but hasn't yet completed the marriage ceremony.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her?" This refers to a man who is engaged or betrothed, but the marriage hasn't been consummated or fully finalized (which involved a specific ceremony in that culture).
"Let him go and return to his house..." He is granted an exemption from military service. He is allowed to go home.
"...lest he die in the battle, and another man take her." This provides the reasoning for the exemption. The verse suggests that if the man were to die in battle before marrying his betrothed, another man might take her as his wife (either through marriage or through other means permissible at the time). This likely reflects concerns about the vulnerability of unmarried women in ancient Israelite society and perhaps also a desire to ensure the continuation of family lines. It was important that a man would marry his betrothed so the land would not be taken by another family line.
In essence, the verse is designed to:
Protect the potential husband's right to his marriage. It acknowledges the man's commitment and grants him the opportunity to establish his marriage.
Protect the woman's potential status and security. It ensures she isn't left vulnerable and without a husband due to the war.
Maintain social order and stability. It prevents potential conflicts arising from another man taking the betrothed woman.
Reflect societal values. It underscores the importance of marriage and family.
Context within Deuteronomy 20:
This verse is one of several exemptions outlined in Deuteronomy 20. Other exemptions are granted for:
Men who have recently built a new house but haven't lived in it yet.
Men who have planted a vineyard but haven't enjoyed its fruit yet.
Men who are afraid or fainthearted.
All these exemptions share a common theme: protecting basic human needs and ensuring a stable home life for the Israelite soldiers. The aim was to have a fighting force that was committed and not distracted by personal anxieties. The army was not a place to send someone who might be more concerned with something else, as they would be a liability.