This verse from Deuteronomy 22:27 refers to a specific scenario under ancient Israelite law regarding sexual assault. Let's break down what it means:
"for he found her in the field...": This indicates the location of the assault was outside a town or settlement, likely in a more isolated area.
"...the pledged to be married lady cried...": This specifies that the woman was engaged (betrothed) but not yet married. The fact that she cried out is crucial. In this legal context, her cries are considered evidence that she did not consent to the act.
"...and there was no one to save her.": This is the key element that distinguishes this situation from another scenario described earlier in the chapter (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Because the assault occurred in a field, and there was no one within earshot to hear her cries and come to her aid, it's presumed she did everything she could to resist.
Interpretation and Legal Consequence:
In this particular case, Deuteronomy 22:25-27 dictates that because the woman was betrothed and was in an area where no one could hear her cries for help, it is assumed she did not consent to the act.
Key Legal Principle
This law reflects a principle where the absence of help during an assault is taken as evidence of lack of consent. If she cried out and no one could help, it's understood she resisted as much as she could.
In Summary
In this verse, a betrothed woman is assaulted in a field where no one can hear her cries for help. The law presumes she did not consent because she had no opportunity to be rescued. As such, the man is held liable, because the woman could not be rescued when she was assaulted.
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:27 refers to a specific scenario under ancient Israelite law regarding sexual assault. Let's break down what it means:
"for he found her in the field...": This indicates the location of the assault was outside a town or settlement, likely in a more isolated area.
"...the pledged to be married lady cried...": This specifies that the woman was engaged (betrothed) but not yet married. The fact that she cried out is crucial. In this legal context, her cries are considered evidence that she did not consent to the act.
"...and there was no one to save her.": This is the key element that distinguishes this situation from another scenario described earlier in the chapter (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Because the assault occurred in a field, and there was no one within earshot to hear her cries and come to her aid, it's presumed she did everything she could to resist.
Interpretation and Legal Consequence:
In this particular case, Deuteronomy 22:25-27 dictates that because the woman was betrothed and was in an area where no one could hear her cries for help, it is assumed she did not consent to the act.
Key Legal Principle
This law reflects a principle where the absence of help during an assault is taken as evidence of lack of consent. If she cried out and no one could help, it's understood she resisted as much as she could.
In Summary
In this verse, a betrothed woman is assaulted in a field where no one can hear her cries for help. The law presumes she did not consent because she had no opportunity to be rescued. As such, the man is held liable, because the woman could not be rescued when she was assaulted.