The command regarding marrying captive women was a regulation given to control a situation that could easily become abusive or unjust. It provided a process of time, dignity, and restraint for a soldier who desired to marry a woman taken in war. Rather than permitting immediate gratification or forced union, God gave laws to protect the dignity and humanity of the woman.
“When you go to war… and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and desire her… then you shall bring her home to your house… she shall shave her head and trim her nails.” (Deuteronomy 21:10–12)
The woman was to mourn her parents for a full month before any marriage could occur. This period allowed her to adjust, grieve, and gave time for the man to consider his intentions seriously. She was not treated as property, but as a human being with time to process.
“After that you may go in to her and be her husband… But it shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall set her free… you shall not sell her at all for money.” (Deuteronomy 21:13–14)
If the man later changed his mind, he could not treat her as a slave or commodity. He had to release her freely and respectfully. This law stood in contrast to the cruelty often shown in pagan warfare. It demons/”>demonstrated that even in war, God’s people were to practice restraint, justice, and compassion.
This regulation did not endorse forced marriage but placed limits and protections to guard against exploitation and to uphold human dignity in a fallen world.
