Definition: And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:9. It's a really important and slightly surprising part of the story of how Moses raised his sons. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how to treat a woman who has been betrothed to a man (specifically, to Moses). It sets a specific rule for how Moses would handle this woman – he'd treat her differently than other women. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And if he have betrothed her unto his son…” - This means “If he has chosen her to be the wife of his son.” It’s a formal and significant step in Moses' plan. “…he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.” – This is the key part! The verse uses the analogy of daughters. It means: Treat her with respect and care: Just like daughters are valued, this implies that Moses would treat this woman with kindness and consideration. Give her a special role: The word “after” suggests that she wouldn’t be treated as just another wife. She'd have a special position or status within the family. What does it mean practically? This verse is a bit mysterious, and there are several interpretations among scholars. However, here’s what we can generally infer: It was a way to ensure her loyalty: The text suggests that this woman would be treated with a level of respect and care that would make her loyal to Moses and his family. It wasn't about being better than other women: It’s not suggesting she’s inherently more valuable or deserving. Instead, it emphasizes a particular relationship and treatment. Context is Important – Why is this verse significant? This passage comes before the story of Moses raising his sons. It’s important because it shows that: 1. Moses was very thoughtful about how he would raise his boys. He wasn't just focusing on physical care; he was considering the emotional and social aspects as well. 2. He established a clear set of rules for his family. This verse provides a foundational principle within the narrative of the Old Testament, setting a tone of fairness and consideration. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Provide different interpretations of its meaning? Give an example of how this verse might have been understood historically?