Neil write:
>where in Numb.31:17-18 does the text say "rape"? Is this your own
interpretation of the Hebrew text? I think the passage is means that while
the troops killedthe men of Midian, they spared the women and children, and
took them into domestic service. Do please correct me if your knowledge of
Hebrew is more substantial than the editorial panel of the NIV. I am always
happy to learn.>>
1. I have no knowledge of Hebrew.
2. Here is what I find in the Berkeley version of scripture. Capitalization
is mine:
17: Now KILL EVERY young boy and EVERY woman who has had intercourse with a
man.
18: EVERY young girl, however, who has not had intercourse with a man you
may keep alive for yourself.
Now if the NIV editors think that means taking those children "into domestic
service," I will assert that the "domestic service" they refer to
necessarily included that of forced concubinage. We have a 21st century
phrase for that particular activity -- forced rape. The activity in verse 17
has another 21st century phrase -- terrorism. One may fairly argue which is
the more unethical. But I can see no arguments at all for describing them as
moral in any sense of the word.
Sincerely
John
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