"Now let's consider a less mutual happy case. For instance, in a case of seduction of a virgin female who is not betrothed (pledged to some man by the father of the female), the issues of virginity and non-betrothal, and bride price are essentials according to Ex. 22:16. Even if the father refuses to give his daughter to the man (the father has the authority to finalize the decision), the bride price is still due from the seducer and hypothetically, the daughter would be directed to live a single life as a bride separated from her husband (Ex. 22:17).

"Having discussed briefly choice and seduction, let's see what the Bible says concerning the institution of marriage due to rape. Society has been influenced through the law courts and media that this is a crime, rather than a marital institution or both. However, if the female is a virgin and she is not pledged to a man, she is considered a wife in God's sight. The man can not divorce her ever (Dt. 22:28, 29).

"The Biblical precept of marriage is a physical sexual act between a virgin female and a male (Ex. 22:16; Dt. 22:13-21, 28, 29): not a mere contract--once again I recommend that you see my paper "Illusion." Sexual fornication is a physical sex act which results in unchastity whereas marriage does not; and adultery is a species of fornication. A woman was condemned to death in the O.T. for an unchaste act such as promiscuity while still living in her father's house (Dt. 22:21); and both offenders were condemned to death for adultery (Dt. 22:22). These strict laws were designed by God to purge the evil from the land. The Lord wanted to free the people from sexual uncleanliness. These laws are still useful today (I Tim. 1:8-11). However, condemnation to death did not continue in the early church; although, righteousness, inheritance, vengeance and the eternal judgment of God was preached. Before David became king of Israel he had enemies among God's people and those that were not God's people against him. Pressure was upon him, and great numbers tried to prevent him from inheriting the good things that he did (I Sa. 26:19). Beware, the wicked try to destroy the good inheritance of the righteous, the innocent and those that would come unto God. Paul warned that there were some men troubling the church and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Then he gave his judgment: 'But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed' (Gal. 1:7, 8). Take heed: 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom? Be not deceived: neither [fornicators] ... nor [adulterers]'--people who live in sexual immorality are not able to be saved except they should repent (I Cor. 6:9).

next page

Directory   About the Hesedken   Other literature