In my observation, those below the age of 25.”
Interestingly, in the Old testament world, females married not too many years after sexually maturity. In contrast, males married around 30.
Your observations track well with “a Higher Authority”.
I’m afraid what I’m saying may be the opposite of what I’ve conveyed to you.
It is common in biblical times for younger women to be married to somewhat older men. What I suggest is the harm done in that situation.
And it goes both ways, just for the record. To engage in sexual relations with someone who is departed from your own age by significance (In my arbitration.. say... 2 years (Until age 25)) will result in the same harm as what law dictates below the age of 18.
Basically, what I’m saying is that 18 is even far too young to be considered of sound mind for an adult post-25 to consider. When I was 32 I dated (and had relations with) someone who was 18 (19 2 weeks into it). An adult ? Yes. On my same level ? No. I stopped upon realizing it, and now I advocate a stricter line that shouldn’t be crossed.
I wasn’t breaking laws, but the harm was very sublime. In our modern world, people should have moments and gain an intimate relationship with those of their same age - or approximate. At age 25 (And even that is iffy) does one begin to develop sensabilities that are on par with advanced adults.
In a biblical time period, life was VERY different. Maturing had likely ended at a young age - with a youngster learning all there was to know at a younger age. There are too many choices available to us all now - and those choices should be independently evaluated not by the hand of an interested party (Such as an older lover - even one with good intent) but by that person alone.
Furthermore, to a relationship with God, That person should have an appropriate and strong covenant with God - Not an older adult who thinks they know “What’s best”.
In conclusion, For a person of 30 years (or older) to consider a fair relationship with someone below the age of 25 is to take advantage of their limited time on earth, their limited understanding of the world around them, and their limited exposure to the covenant of God. To find God on their own terms, and establish their own lives. As an adult over the age of 30 - Your mere engagement undermines this process.
Females didn't use to be the ones making the decision about who to marry -- that was done by their parents. In contrast, the husband had to be able to financially support a wife.