There’s a story in 2 Samuel 13 about a few of the children of King David - prince Amnon desires his [half-]sister (Tamar) and ultimately forces himself upon her. Her response is interesting, though! She says that she has been wronged and that now they must marry (“speak to the king, he will not withhold me … do not send me away”). The story goes downhill from there; however, this principle comes from Deuteronomy 22:28-29, which is a passage many atheists point to in order to build up a case that God is effectively immoral.
Why Does this Matter?
Primarily, because the culture here was clearly different than our own. At this time, virginity and a dowry were the primary things of value a woman could offer a suitor. Further, once married, they could leave their husband but could not divorce them, though a husband could divorce a wife due to sexual immorality. The passage in Deuteronomy effectively flips the power structure on its head. After a man violates a woman, he is stripped of all power in the relationship; rather, the woman and her father have the authority to move forward however they desire. The man is not consulted nor considered, as he is indebted.
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