He
shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.
Exodus 21:10
Exodus 21 [7.] “If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do. If she doesn’t please her master, who has married her to himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt deceitfully with her. If he marries her to his son, he shall deal with her as a daughter. If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights. If he doesn’t do these three things for her, she may go free without paying any money.
Exodus 21 [12.] “One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death, but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
Meaning:
This passage is part of the laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, specifically those dealing with servitude and marriage. Here, we find guidelines for the treatment of a female servant who has been given in marriage, ensuring her rights and well-being.
- The Mosaic Law:
Covenant and Community: The laws given to the Israelites were part of the covenant between God and His people. These laws were meant to govern their community, ensuring justice and compassion.
Servitude Regulations: Exodus 21 deals with various regulations regarding Hebrew servants, reflecting a societal structure where servitude was an accepted practice but still needed humane guidelines.
- Verses Overview:
Marital Status: The passage addresses the specific situation where a female servant is given in marriage either to her master or to his son.
Rights and Protections: It lays out the rights and protections for the woman, emphasizing fair and respectful treatment.
Significance
- Protection of the Vulnerable:
Human Dignity: These verses highlight the importance of protecting the dignity and rights of individuals, especially those in vulnerable positions such as female servants.
Equality in Treatment: By stating that the woman should be treated as a daughter if married to the master’s son, the law ensures she is given a place of respect and belonging in the household.
- Marital Rights:
Basic Needs: The law specifies that a husband must not diminish his wife’s food, clothing, or marital rights, ensuring her physical and emotional well-being.
Legal Recourse: If these obligations are not met, the woman has the right to freedom without any financial obligation, providing her with a safeguard against neglect or abuse.
Theological Significance
- God’s Justice and Compassion:
Divine Standards: These laws reflect God’s character, demonstrating His concern for justice and compassion. They show that God’s laws are designed to protect and uplift the marginalized.
Covenant Community: The laws underscore the need for a covenant community to reflect God’s justice, ensuring fair treatment for all members, particularly those who are vulnerable.
- Foreshadowing Christ’s Teachings:
Equality and Compassion: The principles seen here are echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, compassion, and justice for all, including the marginalized.
Dignity of Every Person: Christ’s ministry consistently uplifted the dignity of every individual, reinforcing the idea that all people are valuable in God’s eyes.
Practical Applications
- Modern Implications:
Human Rights: These verses remind us of the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially those who may be vulnerable or marginalized in society.
Fair Treatment: In any relationship, whether marital or otherwise, the principles of fair treatment, respect, and provision for basic needs should be upheld.
- Marital Responsibilities:
Commitment and Care: The passage emphasizes the importance of commitment and care in marriage. Ensuring that one’s spouse’s needs are met—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is a crucial aspect of a healthy marriage.
Legal and Social Safeguards: Societal structures and laws should provide safeguards to protect individuals from neglect and abuse, ensuring justice and compassion.
Cross-References:
Ephesians 5:25-28: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without defect. Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself." Paul’s teaching on marital love and responsibility echoes the principles of care and commitment outlined in Exodus 21:9-11.
1 Peter 3:7: "You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered." Peter emphasizes honoring and understanding one’s wife, which aligns with the respect and provision mandated in the Mosaic Law.
Deuteronomy 24:14-15: "You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is of your brothers, or of your foreigners who are in your land within your gates. In his day you shall give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down on it; for he is poor, and sets his heart on it; lest he cry against you to Yahweh, and it be sin to you." This reinforces the broader biblical theme of justice and fair treatment for workers and those in vulnerable positions.
Conclusion: Exodus 21:9-11 provides crucial guidelines for the fair treatment of female servants who enter into marriage, ensuring their rights and dignity. These verses reflect God’s justice and compassion, emphasizing the importance of protecting the vulnerable and upholding the dignity of every individual. They also foreshadow the New Testament teachings on love, respect, and care in relationships.
The principles outlined in these verses have enduring relevance, reminding us to prioritize human rights, fair treatment, and compassion in our interactions. They call us to reflect God’s character in our relationships, ensuring that everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible