And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.
If you are no longer pleased with her, then you must let her go wherever she wants to go. But you must never sell her for money or treat her like property to be traded, because you have already taken advantage of her vulnerable position.
This verse is establishing that even in difficult circumstances, a woman's dignity must be protected, she cannot be sold or treated as merchandise.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is from the book of Deuteronomy, part of the laws given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. It addresses the treatment of a female captive taken during warfare, specifically outlining protections for her if an Israelite man marries her but later decides not to continue the relationship. The broader context reflects ancient Near Eastern customs of war and marriage, emphasizing God's concern for justice and the humane treatment of vulnerable individuals.
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