I have a few daughters and a couple of granddaughter and a few great-granddaughters.
Again, the problem is translation of the word "tapas." It does not always mean rape. Hebrew is a dependent language, in other words you must study the intent of the word, which is ordinarily gleamed from the entire chapter, not just translating a single word. So, let us get back to tapas. In the matter of your selected verse, it means to take hold of her. We know the intent of this verb when comparing it to other scriptures, this verb is used for “handling” the harp and flute (Gen. 4:21), the sword (Ezek. 21:11; 30:21), the sickle (Jer. 50:16), the shield (Jer. 46:9), the oars (Ezek. 27:29), and the bow (Amos 2:15). It is likewise used for “taking” G*d’s name (Prov. 30:9) or “dealing” with the law of G*d (Jer. 2:8). Joseph’s garment was “grasped” (Gen. 39:12; cf. 1 Kings 11:30), even as Moses “took” the two tablets of the law (Deut. 9:17)… The Hebrew verb “to handle, grasp, capture” does not in itself indicate anything about the use of force.
We in the US have several words that fall into this category... like "take", "arms", "bank", and "cave" fall into homonyms. In the Hebrew language there are many such words and there are many homophones, just like English... consider the words: lead and led, to, too, and two.
If you want to know the Law against raping, then go back a few verses; 25-27 (also in Deuteronomy), give a clear instance in which rape is being discussed. In that case, a man raped a woman, she “cried out” (v. 27), but she was in the country and no one was there to help her. The text says that the man who committed the crime “shall die” (v. 25), but the Israelites were supposed to “do nothing to the young woman” since “there is in the young woman no sin worthy of death.”
So, in conclusion.... what portion do I agree with.... if I were living 6,000 years ago... and a man/boy grabbed my daughter or granddaughter, I would go to the beth din and ask for their ruling. But, I would not expect that my daughter or granddaughter would be punished. And regarding the death penalty of 26-27, there were options other than death of the rapist.
Raylan Wolfe wrote:
I am wondering penny do you have a daughter or granddaughter????????????????
Deuteronomy 22:28
If a man who is caught raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty cents of silver to her father. Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and will never be allowed to divorce her!
Now penny exactly what part of this bible verse do you agree with! And the one below!