Definition: And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 21:11. It’s a really complex and often misunderstood verse, so we'll go through it step-by-step. What it literally says: “And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife.” What it means in simpler terms: This verse describes a situation where a Jewish man (or leader) is in contact with a woman who is being held captive by enemies or rulers. He feels a strong, personal attraction to her and desires her to be part of his life – essentially, he wants her to marry him. Let's unpack the layers: “Seest among the captives…” : This means he was observing this woman while she was being held captive. It’s not a casual encounter; it's a deliberate observation. “…a beautiful woman” : This is important – it’s not just any beautiful woman. She’s specifically chosen and considered attractive, possibly due to her beauty or her position in the captivity. “Hast a desire unto her…” : This highlights the strong feeling he has. It's more than just a fleeting attraction; it's a deep, compelling longing. “…that thou wouldest have her to thy wife” : This is the core of the verse and where it gets tricky. It’s expressing a legal and symbolic desire for her to become his wife. This isn't about a romantic love; it’s a legal arrangement designed to ensure the survival and continuation of the Jewish people. The Context – Why this was important in ancient Israel: This verse is a cornerstone of Jewish law, specifically concerning the treatment of captives (people who were taken captive during times of war or exile). It's a crucial part of the Shema tradition - a powerful prayer that emphasizes God’s covenant with the Israelites. Here’s why it was significant: Maintaining the Covenant: The verse highlights the importance of maintaining the relationship with the people who were captured. It shows that God is willing to recognize and honor their humanity, even while they are in captivity. Ensuring a Future Nation: The idea behind this passage is that if a woman becomes married to a Jewish man (and has children), she will become a part of the Jewish community, ensuring its future and continuity. It’s a way of safeguarding the lineage of the Jewish people through marriage. Important Note: This verse isn't about romantic love. It’s a legally sanctioned arrangement designed to preserve the Jewish people. The purpose was to ensure the survival of the community, not to cause personal desire or attraction. In short, Deuteronomy 21:11 describes a situation where a leader feels a strong and legal desire for a woman who is being held captive, ultimately serving as a safeguard for the future of the Jewish people. --- Would you like me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like to know more about: The historical context surrounding this verse? The significance of the Shema tradition?