Numbers 31:18 - But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
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What does "Numbers 31:18" mean?
This verse is part of a set of instructions given to the Israelite army after a battle against the Midianites. The passage is considered highly problematic and disturbing by modern ethical standards.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning within its historical and textual context:
Context: The Israelites had just defeated the Midianites. They were instructed to kill all the male children and all the women who had had sexual relations with men.
"But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him...": This refers to young, unmarried girls who were considered virgins.
"...keep alive for yourselves.": The Israelite soldiers were instructed to keep these young girls as captives.
Interpretation and Ethical Issues:
Spoils of War: The girls were treated as spoils of war. This was a common practice in ancient warfare.
Sexual Slavery/Forced Marriage: The most disturbing aspect of this verse is that these girls were likely intended for sexual exploitation or forced marriage by the Israelite soldiers.
Gender and Power: The verse highlights the unequal power dynamics between men and women in ancient Israelite society. Women were viewed as property and their sexuality was controlled by men.
Ethical Concerns:
Moral Abhorrence: Modern readers find this verse morally abhorrent. The idea of keeping young girls as captives for sexual purposes is deeply disturbing.
Justification of Violence: The passage raises questions about the justification of violence in the Bible, especially violence against women and children.
Important Considerations:
Historical Context: It's important to understand that this verse reflects the values and practices of a specific time and place in history.
Moral Progress: Our understanding of morality has evolved over time. What was once considered acceptable is no longer considered acceptable today.
Interpretation: There are different ways to interpret the Bible. Some interpretations emphasize the historical context, while others focus on the moral lessons that can be learned from the text. However, many find it impossible to reconcile the actions described in this verse with modern ethical principles.
Numbers 31:18 - But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
What does "Numbers 31:18" mean?
This verse is part of a set of instructions given to the Israelite army after a battle against the Midianites. The passage is considered highly problematic and disturbing by modern ethical standards.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning within its historical and textual context:
Context: The Israelites had just defeated the Midianites. They were instructed to kill all the male children and all the women who had had sexual relations with men.
"But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him...": This refers to young, unmarried girls who were considered virgins.
"...keep alive for yourselves.": The Israelite soldiers were instructed to keep these young girls as captives.
Interpretation and Ethical Issues:
Spoils of War: The girls were treated as spoils of war. This was a common practice in ancient warfare.
Sexual Slavery/Forced Marriage: The most disturbing aspect of this verse is that these girls were likely intended for sexual exploitation or forced marriage by the Israelite soldiers.
Gender and Power: The verse highlights the unequal power dynamics between men and women in ancient Israelite society. Women were viewed as property and their sexuality was controlled by men.
Ethical Concerns:
Moral Abhorrence: Modern readers find this verse morally abhorrent. The idea of keeping young girls as captives for sexual purposes is deeply disturbing.
Justification of Violence: The passage raises questions about the justification of violence in the Bible, especially violence against women and children.
Important Considerations:
Historical Context: It's important to understand that this verse reflects the values and practices of a specific time and place in history.
Moral Progress: Our understanding of morality has evolved over time. What was once considered acceptable is no longer considered acceptable today.
Interpretation: There are different ways to interpret the Bible. Some interpretations emphasize the historical context, while others focus on the moral lessons that can be learned from the text. However, many find it impossible to reconcile the actions described in this verse with modern ethical principles.