Deuteronomy 21:10 - When you go out to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands, and you carry them away captive,
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What does "Deuteronomy 21:10" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 21:10 is part of a larger section of laws concerning warfare in ancient Israel. It deals with the treatment of female captives taken in battle. Let's break down the meaning:
"When you go out to battle against your enemies..." This sets the context: warfare was a reality of life for the Israelites, and these laws aimed to regulate their conduct during conflict.
"...and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands..." This acknowledges that victory in battle was attributed to God's favor and power. It reminds the Israelites that they were not solely responsible for their successes.
"...and you carry them away captive..." This describes the outcome of a successful battle: the enemy is defeated, and people are taken as prisoners of war, including women.
So, on its own, this verse simply states a condition: what happens when Israel wins a war and takes captives. However, it is important to remember it is not the full text on this matter, the following verses will describe what is to be done.
Key points to consider in interpreting this verse and its context:
Regulation, not endorsement: This verse, and the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 21:11-14), are not an endorsement of warfare or the taking of captives. Rather, they are regulations aimed at mitigating the harsh realities of ancient warfare and providing some protection for female captives.
Mitigating Circumstances: The subsequent verses, not quoted in your question, outline a specific procedure the Israelite soldier must follow if he desires to marry a female captive. These provisions were meant to offer protection and dignity to the woman taken captive. She had to be given time to mourn her family and change her clothing, and she could not be sold as a slave.
Historical Context: It's crucial to understand the historical and cultural context of this passage. Warfare in the ancient world was brutal, and women captured in war were often subjected to horrific treatment. These laws, while perhaps unsettling to modern sensibilities, were arguably intended to provide a degree of protection and structure within the context of that time. They were a step away from the standard practices of the time.
In short, Deuteronomy 21:10 describes a scenario of warfare and captivity, setting the stage for subsequent laws that aimed to regulate the treatment of female captives within that context.
Deuteronomy 21:10 - When you go out to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands, and you carry them away captive,
What does "Deuteronomy 21:10" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 21:10 is part of a larger section of laws concerning warfare in ancient Israel. It deals with the treatment of female captives taken in battle. Let's break down the meaning:
"When you go out to battle against your enemies..." This sets the context: warfare was a reality of life for the Israelites, and these laws aimed to regulate their conduct during conflict.
"...and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands..." This acknowledges that victory in battle was attributed to God's favor and power. It reminds the Israelites that they were not solely responsible for their successes.
"...and you carry them away captive..." This describes the outcome of a successful battle: the enemy is defeated, and people are taken as prisoners of war, including women.
So, on its own, this verse simply states a condition: what happens when Israel wins a war and takes captives. However, it is important to remember it is not the full text on this matter, the following verses will describe what is to be done.
Key points to consider in interpreting this verse and its context:
Regulation, not endorsement: This verse, and the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 21:11-14), are not an endorsement of warfare or the taking of captives. Rather, they are regulations aimed at mitigating the harsh realities of ancient warfare and providing some protection for female captives.
Mitigating Circumstances: The subsequent verses, not quoted in your question, outline a specific procedure the Israelite soldier must follow if he desires to marry a female captive. These provisions were meant to offer protection and dignity to the woman taken captive. She had to be given time to mourn her family and change her clothing, and she could not be sold as a slave.
Historical Context: It's crucial to understand the historical and cultural context of this passage. Warfare in the ancient world was brutal, and women captured in war were often subjected to horrific treatment. These laws, while perhaps unsettling to modern sensibilities, were arguably intended to provide a degree of protection and structure within the context of that time. They were a step away from the standard practices of the time.
In short, Deuteronomy 21:10 describes a scenario of warfare and captivity, setting the stage for subsequent laws that aimed to regulate the treatment of female captives within that context.