“If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch. This verse is found within a section that deals with various laws and regulations for the Israelite community.
Adultery and Its Consequences:The verse addresses the act of adultery, which refers to sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse. In this case, if a man is found engaging in adultery with a married woman, both the man and the woman are to be put to death. This severe punishment serves as a deterrent and aims to protect the sanctity of marriage and maintain societal order.
The Severity of the Punishment:The prescribed punishment of death may seem extreme by today’s standards, but it reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites viewed adultery. It emphasises the gravity of the offence and the importance of fidelity within the marriage covenant.
Upholding Moral Standards:The phrase “so shalt thou put away evil from Israel” indicates that the punishment is intended to remove wickedness from the community. Adultery was considered a sin and a violation of God’s commandments, and its consequences were seen as a way to maintain moral purity among the Israelites.
A Reflection of the Old Covenant:It is essential to understand that the laws given in the Old Testament, including this one, were specific to the ancient Israelite community and their covenant relationship with God. The Old Covenant had a different legal system and emphasised the physical consequences of transgressions.
Jesus and the New Covenant:With the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, the emphasis shifted from external punishments to inner transformation and grace. Jesus taught forgiveness and mercy, as seen in His interactions with individuals caught in adultery (e.g., the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11).
Moral Principles in the New Testament:While the specific punishment for adultery mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:22 is not directly applicable to Christians today, the moral principles underlying it still hold relevance. In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage and calls His followers to faithfulness and purity in relationships (Matthew 5:27-30).
In summary, Deuteronomy 22:22 addresses the severe punishment for adultery in the Old Testament, reflecting the Israelites’ commitment to upholding moral standards within their community. However, with the arrival of Jesus and the New Covenant, the emphasis shifted to forgiveness, mercy, and inner transformation. Christians today are called to adhere to the moral principles of fidelity and purity in relationships, as taught in the New Testament.
