The passage before us today deals with the ancient betrothal and dowry of a maiden. In ancient societies it was customary for the fathers to enter into contacts for their daughters. Arranged marriages were common and were to be governed by law.
Exodus 21:7-11 ESV [7] “When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. [8] If she does not please her master, who has designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has broken faith with her. [9] If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. [10] If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. [11] And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money.
This ordinance is for the protection of the maiden. The daughters were not to be mistreated. If we are not cautious we may get confused by the cultural customs and miss the spiritual implications. The master was given instructions on how he must deal with her. First, we see that he has designated her for himself. He chose her. Our master, Jesus, chose us. John 15:16 ESV [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. Thank the Lord he chose me. Second, he bought me. Jesus paid the ultimate price for his bride. He paid with his life. Certainly the Hebrew master paid for this maiden, but the price he paid cannot remotely compare to our Lord’s price. He bought us without money and without price. He bought us with his precious blood. Next, we see the Hebrew master was not allowed to sell her to foreigners. He was required to be faithful to his covenant. Our master is faithful. He will never leave or forsake us. No one can ever take us from his hand. He lives to make intercession for us. He is our betrothed bridegroom and one day we will join him at the marriage supper of the lamb. All of God’s promises are yes and amen. He will not break his covenant to his bride. He will fulfill all his marital commitments to us. In this relationship we are free to serve him today and forever. Our Jesus paid it all that we might serve him as Lord and master forever.