Manipulation

 “If a man meets a virgin who is not betrothed, and seizes her and lies with her, and they are found,
Deuteronomy 22:28 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/deu.22.28.ESV

'Seize' is a poor translation which implies rape. In reality, the Hebrew word transliterated 'taphas' has more of a sense of 'laying hold of' or by implication to manipulate or to seduce. In the context, Moses isn't calling for women to marry their rapists.

Instead, Moses is saying that there should be no room for 'messing around' sexually. If a man and woman mess around together sexually, they should do the honest thing and get married: that's the sense of the verse.

Why can't two fornicators have just gone their own way? In that culture, a woman who was violated by a man was seen to be 'damaged good'. People only wanted to marry virgins.

So this law is a protection to women in that culture, to make sure they're provided for and looked after. Women aren't idle playthings to be discarded after a one night stand. Women are to be treasured.

'Heavenly Father, help us to treat one another with the respect we deserve as Your image-bearers. In Christ's name we pray, amen'

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