Table of Contents
Meaning of rape
Rape is a heinous crime that involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a violation of a person’s autonomy, dignity, and basic human rights. In this section, we will explore three instances of rape mentioned in the Bible: Shechem raping Dinah, the men of Gibeah gang-raping a Levite’s concubine, and David’s son Amnon sexually abusing Tamar. It is important to approach these accounts with sensitivity and recognize that they reflect historical realities rather than endorsing or condoning such acts. These are examples of sexual abusers and rapists and their victims:
Shechem rapes Dinah
In the land of Canaan, one day, Dinah the daughter of Jacob and Leah went out among the inhabitants to visit the women of the land. The area she ventured into was ruled by a prince called Shechem. When Shechem the son of Hamor saw her, he abducted her into his house and raped her. Afterward, he intended to marry her out of love. So he told his father Hamor to arrange for him to marry her. However, when the sons of Jacob heard of their sister’s rape, they were furious and things took a dark turn for Shechem, his entire family, and his city. Two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, mustered a few men and attacked the city of Shechem and slaughtered all the males of the city including Shechem and his entire family and they took their sister away. They also took away much booty, the women, and the children. (Genesis 34:1-31)
The men of Gibeah gang rape a Levite’s concubine
The incident involving the men of Gibeah and the Levite’s concubine is described in Judges 19-21. According to the Bible, a Levite, his concubine, and his servant were traveling to a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim. Because the night was near, they went to Gibeah, a Benjaminite city, to seek shelter. However, no one showed them hospitality save an old man returning from his field. While in the old man’s house at night, some wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they demanded to have sex with the travelers. Instead, the Levite’s concubine was given to them and then they brutally raped her throughout the night resulting in her death. This incident led to a civil war. All the tribes of Israel united to declare war on the tribe of Benjamin. They fought the Benjaminites and finally overcame them and massacred them. (Judges 19:11-30)
Amnon rapes Tamar
Absalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister from one mother called Tamar. Over time, Amnon, David’s firstborn, lusted after her so much that he wanted to have sex with her. However, he did not know how to get her. Listening to his friend Jonadab’s advice, he feigned sickness and then asked his father to send Tamar to prepare some food for him to eat. When Tamar came, did the cooking, and brought the food to Amnon to eat, he seized her, forced himself on her and raped her. When he was done, he threw her out of his house. Tamar, overwhelmed with shame and sorrow, tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying. This evil thing that Amnon did, cost him his life two years later, for Absolom, the brother of Amnon, avenged his sister by taking Amnon’s life. (2 Samuel 13:1-39)
The men of Sodom attempt to rape Lot’s guests
Additionally, the men of Sodom attempted to rape two visitors who were guests in Lot’s house. Two angels who had come down to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah passed themselves off as strangers in the city of Sodom. Lot welcomed them as guests into his house. While they were in Lot’s house, the men of Sodom came and requested that they should be released to them so that they would gang-rape them. Lot refused. Eventually, the two angels struck the Sodomites with blindness, sent Lot and his family out of the city, and then destroyed the city with fire. (Genesis 19:4-9)
Conclusion
These historical events serve as reminders that rape has been present throughout history and across cultures. As we can see in these historical events, all who raped or attempted to rape met a sad end. These historical events also remind us of the need for justice and efforts to prevent sexual violence in our society today.