Protecting Lineages

Protecting Lineages

Exodus 21: ⁷ “And if a man sells his daughter to be a female slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. ⁸ If she does not please her master, who has betrothed 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. ⁹ And if he has betrothed her to his son, he shall deal with her according to the custom of daughters. ¹⁰ If he takes another wife, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marriage rights. ¹¹ And if he does not do these three for her, then she shall go out free, without paying money.

 

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GOD continued with HIS conversation with Moses by telling him rules of deceitful dowries and divorce.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be protecting the lineage of CHRIST and the lineage of people who would point people to HIM.
• GOD told Noah there was evil on the boat, knowing that a mindset of conquering people was present.
• Women rarely owned land and animals, used for dowries and divorce settlements, due to the lack of protection from the mindset of Canaan.

 

This is a very complicated set of scriptures that needs a broader view than the words. GOD loves people and loves freedom withing CHRIST. HE made Adam and Eve as free people and told them to multiply that freedom. Satan tricked Adam and Eve into becoming something different by obtaining knowledge they could not handle.

 

The knowledge of good versus evil could be manipulated into something used by those who feel “only the strong survive.” Out of the people of Canaan bore raiders, thieves and liars who would steal land and people and enslave them to do harsh work or provide pleasure.

 

GOD seemed to want to protect the lineage of CHRIST that was laced with adultery and brokenness. HE was also protecting the lineage of people who would serve CHRIST and point the way to HIS ultimate reign.

 

But what does this have to do with a dowry or a divorce settlement? GOD did not want women, who could not take care of themselves at the time due to “customs”, to be left destitute. I believe each rule seen needs to have JESUS at the core for understanding.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the rules for protecting wives and ex-wives?
• What promises has GOD given you to protect you?
• Are your customs and traditions pointing people to CHRIST as the Savior and daily leader?