- EQUAL VALUE Women were created in God’s image and from man himself, making women fully and uniquely comparable to men. God’s design for men and women was unified, fulfilling, and lifelong partnership (Genesis 1:27; 2:18–24).
- JUSTICE THROUGH THE LAW AND COURT Laws applied to both men and women, and women were given a chance to prove their innocence when accused (Deuteronomy 17:2–6; Numbers 5:5–7, 12–28).
- WOMAN-CENTERED IDEALS FOR WOMEN Women were praised for their virtue. Some were leaders and ran their own businesses. They did not have to bear children to be worthy of love (Proverbs 31:10–31).
- SPOUSAL SUPPORT LAWS A man could not abandon a woman after initiating intimacy. Instead, he had lifelong financial and social obligations to her (Deuteronomy 22:28–29; Exodus 21:7–11).
- NO SEXUAL SLAVERY Prostitution was forbidden, and kidnapping and rape were punishable by death. Female prisoners of war could be married after a respectful length of time or set free; they could never be abused or sold (Leviticus 19:29; Deuteronomy 23:17; 24:7; 22:25–26; 21:10–14).
“This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” — Deuteronomy 4:6
