Causes and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse in Scripture

The Hebrew Bible and New Testament do not explicitly use the modern term "child sexual abuse." However, biblical texts address themes of sexual misconduct, protection of the vulnerable, and the consequences of sin, which can be applied to understanding and preventing such harm. The Bible consistently emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the importance of protecting children, viewing them as a gift from God ^[1].

Biblical law and narrative provide insights into the gravity of sexual offenses and the vulnerability of individuals, including children. For instance, the story of Lot in Genesis 19:8 depicts an attempt to protect guests from sexual violence by offering his own virgin daughters, highlighting the extreme danger faced by those under threat ^[4]. While this passage is disturbing and does not condone Lot's actions, it illustrates a context where sexual violence was a recognized threat. The "sons of Belial" mentioned in Jude 19:22, a term also found in 1 Samuel 1:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:15, are described as troublemakers whose goal was homosexual rape, drawing a parallel to the events in Genesis 19:4-5 ^[7]. This indicates a biblical awareness of predatory sexual behavior.

The Old Testament law contains prohibitions against various sexual sins, including incest and other forms of sexual perversion (Leviticus 18). While not always explicitly naming child sexual abuse, these laws establish a framework for sexual purity and the protection of family and community integrity. Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra, commenting on Leviticus 18:20, notes that sexual intercourse has three purposes: procreation, bodily relief, and passion. He interprets the prohibition against lying with a neighbor's wife as encompassing even intercourse for the purpose of begetting children, underscoring the sanctity of marital boundaries ^[9]. The violation of these boundaries, particularly when involving the vulnerable, would be considered a grave offense.

The Bible also addresses the broader concept of protecting children and ensuring their well-being. Children are presented as capable of glorifying God and should be brought to Christ, instructed in God's ways, and judiciously trained ^[1]. Good children are described as knowing the Scriptures, observing God's law, and obeying their parents, which is pleasing to God ^[2]. This emphasis on the proper upbringing and spiritual formation of children implies a safe and nurturing environment, free from harm.

The consequences of sin, including sexual misconduct, are frequently highlighted in Scripture. The wrath of God is said to come upon "children of disobedience" for such things ^[6]. Idolatry and adultery are often closely linked in the prophetic books, representing a breach of covenant with God and leading to severe consequences ^[8]. This connection suggests that sexual sin is not merely a personal transgression but has broader implications for one's relationship with God and the community.

Prevention of harm, including sexual abuse, can be inferred from biblical teachings on moral conduct, community responsibility, and the consequences of evil. The Bible forbids alliances and society with the "enemies of God," warning that such associations can lead to idolatry, murder, human sacrifice, and provoke God's anger ^[3]. While this primarily refers to spiritual and political alliances, the principle of avoiding corrupting influences can be extended to protecting vulnerable individuals from harmful environments or individuals.

The importance of a just society and the condemnation of those who exploit the vulnerable are also relevant. Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews, discusses the importance of children being born of virtuous parents and the legal recourse available if a woman espoused as a virgin is found not to be so ^[5]. This highlights a societal concern for sexual integrity and the protection of individuals from deception and exploitation.

The New Testament continues to emphasize the protection of the vulnerable and the severe consequences for those who cause harm. Jesus himself welcomed children and warned against causing them to stumble (Mark 10:13-16). While not directly addressing sexual abuse, this teaching underscores the high value God places on children and the seriousness of any action that would harm them.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children — Christ was an example to -- Lu 2:51; Joh 19:26,27. Are a gift from God -- Ge 33:5; Ps 127:3. Are capable of glorifying God -- Ps 8:2; 148:12,13; Mt 21:15,16. Should be Brought to Christ. -- Mr 10:13-16. Brought early to the house of God. -- 1Sa 1:24. Instructed in the ways of God. -- De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6. Judiciously trained. -- Pr 22:15; 29:17; Eph 6:4. Should Obey God. -- De 30:2. Fear God. -- Pr 24:21. Remember God. -- Ec 12:1. Attend to parental teaching. -- Pr 1:8,9. Honour parents. -- Ex 20:12; Heb 12:9. Fear parents. -- Le 19:3. Obey parents. -- Pr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children, Good — The Lord is with -- 1Sa 3:19. Know the Scriptures -- 2Ti 3:15. Observe the law of God -- Pr 28:7. Their obedience to parents is well pleasing to God -- Col 3:20. Partake of the promises of God -- Ac 2:39. Shall be blessed -- Pr 3:1-4; Eph 6:2,3. Show love to parents -- Ge 46:29. Obey parents -- Ge 28:7; 47:30. Attend to parental teaching -- Pr 13:1. Take care of parents -- Ge 45:9,11; 47:12. Make their parents' hearts glad -- Pr 10:1; 29:17. Honour the aged -- Job 32:6,7. Adduced as a motive for submission to God -- Heb 12:9. Spirit of, a requisite f”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God — Forbidden -- Ex 23:32; 34:12; De 7:2,3; 13:6,8; Jos 23:6,7; Jdj 2:2; Ezr 9:12; Pr 1:10,15; 2Co 6:14-17; Eph 5:11. Lead to idolatry -- Ex 34:15,16; Nu 25:1-8; De 7:4; Jdj 3:5-7; Re 2:20. Have led to murder and human sacrifice -- Ps 106:37,38. Provoke the anger of God -- De 7:4; 31:16,17; 2Ch 19:2; Ezr 9:13,14; Ps 106:29,40; Isa 2:6. Provoke God to leave mean to reap the fruits of them -- Jos 23:12,13; Jdj 2:1-3. Are ensnaring -- Ex 23:33; Nu 25:18; De 12:30; 13:6; Ps 106:36. Are enslaved -- 2Pe 2:18,19. Are defiling -- Ez”
Genesis “See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to you. Only don’t do anything to these men, because they have come under the shadow of my roof.” -- Genesis 19:8”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 8, section 13: from the prostitution of her body, God will not receive; for by these means the dispositions of the children will be liberal and virtuous; I mean, when they are not born of base parents, and of the lustful conjunction of such as marry women that are not free. If any one has been espoused to a woman as to a virgin, and does not afterward find her so to be, let him bring his action, and accuse her, and let him make use of such indications 24 to prove his accusation as he is furnished withal; and let the father or the brother of th”
Colossians “for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. -- Colossians 3:6”
Jude (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jude 19:22: 19:22 troublemakers: Hebrew sons of Belial; see study notes on 1 Kgs 21:10; 1 Sam 1:16; 2 Cor 6:15. Their goal was homosexual rape. Cp. Gen 19:4-5.”
Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 5:7: 5:7-8 These verses list the evidence of sins the people had committed, including rejection of the Lord, submission to pagan deities, and sexual misconduct (7:9; 12:16; Num 25:1-3; Deut 32:21; Josh 23:7; Zeph 1:5; Gal 4:8). Idolatry and adultery were closely connected in Israel because both represented the breach of an exclusive covenant.”
Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Leviticus 18:20: AND THOU SHALT NOT LIE CARNALLY 308 Literally: “to seed.” See text further. WITH THY NEIGHBOR’S WIFE. Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra commented: “For there is a threefold purpose to sexual intercourse: one is to beget children, a second is to relieve the body of its fluids, and the third is for passion, which is likened to that of the animals. Now when Scripture said l’zara , 308 Literally: “to seed.” See text further. it means ‘even l’zara ’ [i.e., even for the purpose of begetting children], and thus it prohibited [having intercourse with another man’s wife] a”

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