Exodus 22:16

Context

Exodus 22:16 is part of the extensive collection of civil and social laws given by God to Moses for ancient Israel, following the Ten Commandments. These laws, often called the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33), address various aspects of daily life, including property rights, personal injury, and sexual conduct. This specific verse deals with situations involving unmarried individuals and highlights the societal value placed on virginity and the sanctity of marriage within the Israelite community. It provides a legal framework for handling a situation where an unbetrothed woman's honor and future standing might be compromised.

Key Themes

• Protection of Women and Family Honor: The law aims to protect the social standing and future marriage prospects of an unbetrothed woman who has been "enticed." In ancient Israel, a woman's virginity was highly valued, and its loss outside of marriage could significantly diminish her eligibility for marriage and bring shame upon her family.
• Mandatory Marriage and Responsibility: The core of the law is that the man who entices and lies with an unbetrothed maid is compelled to marry her and pay a dowry (bride-price). This mandate served as a form of restitution and ensured the woman's future security, preventing her from being left disgraced and without a husband. This contrasts with the severe penalties for a man who lay with a betrothed virgin within the city, which was considered adultery and a capital offense. This law also differs from the case of rape described in Deuteronomy 22:28-29, where the man is also compelled to marry the woman and pay a fine, but the emphasis is on violence rather than enticement.
• Value of Marriage and Sexual Purity: The requirement of marriage underscores the biblical principle that sexual intimacy is reserved for the marital covenant. This underscores the high value placed on marriage as the God-ordained context for sexual intimacy and family formation.

Linguistic Insights

• "Entice" (Hebrew: pathah - פתה): This word carries the sense of persuading, seducing, or leading astray, often through deception or flattery. It implies a deliberate act of drawing someone into a situation, not necessarily through violence, but through persuasion that leads to sexual relations.
• "Endow her" (Hebrew: mahar - מהר): This refers to the traditional bride-price or dowry paid by the groom to the bride's father. It was a significant sum that compensated the family for the loss of their daughter's labor and symbolized the groom's commitment and ability to provide. In this context, the law mandates this payment as a consequence of the man's actions, ensuring the woman receives the customary financial security she would have gained in a proper marriage.

Practical Application

While the specific legal enforcement of compulsory marriage is not practiced in modern societies, the underlying principles of Exodus 22:16 remain highly relevant:

• Personal Responsibility: The law emphasizes that individuals are accountable for their sexual actions and their impact on others. It highlights the lasting consequences of choices made outside of God's design for sexual intimacy.
• Protection of the Vulnerable: The spirit of the law calls for the protection of those who may be exploited or whose honor is compromised, especially concerning sexual integrity. Societies are called to establish safeguards for the vulnerable.
• Sanctity of Marriage: The verse reinforces the biblical teaching that sexual relations are designed by God to be exclusively within the bounds of marriage. The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of fleeing sexual immorality and honoring God with our bodies.
• Justice and Restitution: The law provides a form of justice and restitution for the woman, ensuring her future and dignity were preserved in her cultural context. This reminds us of God's concern for justice and the restoration of what is broken by sin.