Chapter Three: Dinah (from Vulnerable to Victim)
Hello Sweet Online BSF (Bible Study Friends)!
Last week Dena did a great job of bringing us through chapter two. This week might be a tough week for you, especially if you’ve been sexually violated in some way. Sadly, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, a woman is raped every two minutes. I can’t imagine the number of events that go unreported.
We see in scripture that women were treated similar to women in today’s world and I imagine the wound was just as painful.
Below are a Few Interesting Facts about Rape in the Bible:
According to Deuteronomy 22, if a man found a betrothed woman in an open field and raped her, he was put to death. The man was put to death, not necessarily due to the rape, but because if the woman screamed, she wouldn’t have been heard or had anyone to rescue her. But if a man found a virgin in an open field and raped her, he was to marry her. Can we imagine having to marry the man who violated us in this way?
What happens if a woman is attacked in the city?
“If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry for help though she was in the city, and the man because he violated his neighbor's wife.” (Deut. 22:23) If the woman had been a virgin, the crime would have been handled in a different way.
If you’ve experienced this kind of wound, know this chapter may be difficult to get through. My prayer is at some point you come back and revisit the chapter. Freedom and healing come when we embrace the wound and work through it.
In all things may our hearts and minds rest in the truth of what God’s word says:
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you. . . .” Psalm 10:14
God sees your hurting heart and asks you to commit yourself to Him. You will want to tune in on Friday because I will unveil the real message of this scripture and share hope in how one can find freedom from such a vile act.
In the meantime, dive into chapter three. Make sure you take advantage of the study guide in the back of the book.
Praying for you always ladies!
Tina
Don't Forget To:
Talk It Out - If you're doing the study with a friend, use the "Talk It Out" section in the back of the book. This section will get you chatting (not that women need much help in that area).
Write It Out - If you're looking to go deeper, use the "Write It Out" section in the back of the book. This is good for those who like to journal and desire to study more scripture. This section will help those having a difficult time getting through a wound. YOU CAN DO IT - WRITE IT OUT.
Send It Out - Share your story with us of how God brought you through that difficult wound. Share pics and encouraging words about the study on your own social media!
Thank you ladies! Dive in and we'll see you later on this week!
