Word In Life Study Bible
A HIGHER STANDARD FOR THE CITY
Deut.22:23-29
Actually, Scripture seems to hold cities to a higher standard of justice and morality than rural areas. For example, the Old Testament Law held that if a woman was raped in the country, the man who raped her was liable for death (Deut. 22:25–27). But if a woman was raped in the city, she, too, was liable (22:23–24).
The logic behind this seeming double standard was based on the assumption that a woman in the city must have consented to the sexual act, since she could have (and should have) called for help. In the city, with neighbors all around, such a call was expected to be heard and heeded. Thus the law of rape assumed that city neighbors were beneficial and responsive. They were to stand up for the laws of God.
Are you standing up for godly ways where you live and work? Are you a good and godly neighbor to people around you who call out for help, protection, and justice? (see “Who Was the Neighbor?” at Luke 10:37). Whether you live in a highly populated metropolitan area or a quiet little town, God wants you to fill that place with His presence. He wants you to do something about evil, not just walk away and let it destroy people whom He loves.
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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