The regulations concerning captive women are found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy. These laws were given to the Israelites as part of the broader Mosaic Law, which governed various aspects of life and conduct for the people of Israel. The specific passage addressing the treatment of captive women is Deuteronomy 21:10-14.

Biblical Text:
"When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them captive, if you see a beautiful woman among them and desire her, you may take her as your wife. You are to bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails, and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, you may go to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. But if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. You must not sell her or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her." (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)

Context and Interpretation:

1. Warfare and Captivity: The context of these regulations is warfare, a common occurrence in the ancient Near East. The Israelites, like other nations, would sometimes take captives after a military victory. The law addresses the situation where an Israelite man desires to marry a captive woman.

2. Humanitarian Considerations: The regulations reflect a concern for the dignity and humane treatment of the captive woman. She is allowed a period of mourning for her family, indicating respect for her emotional state and loss. The requirement to shave her head and trim her nails may symbolize a transition from her previous life to her new status among the Israelites.

3. Marriage and Rights: The law permits the Israelite man to marry the captive woman, but it also provides her with certain protections. If the man later decides he is not pleased with her, he must allow her to go free. He is explicitly forbidden from selling her or treating her as a slave, acknowledging her rights and preventing her exploitation.

4. Cultural and Theological Implications: These regulations can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical themes of justice and compassion. While the practice of taking captives was common in the ancient world, the Mosaic Law introduced elements of mercy and respect for human dignity that were not universally observed in other cultures.

5. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral standpoint, these laws highlight the tension between the realities of ancient warfare and the ethical demands of the Israelite faith. The regulations attempt to mitigate the harshness of war by imposing limits on the treatment of captives, particularly women, who were vulnerable in such situations.

In summary, the regulations for captive women in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 provide a framework for the humane treatment of women taken in war, emphasizing respect, dignity, and certain rights within the context of ancient Israelite society.