Deuteronomy 22:21

she shall be brought to the door of her father's house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father's house. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Study Bible

she shall be brought
The phrase "she shall be brought" indicates a formal and public action. In ancient Israelite society, legal matters were often handled in a communal setting, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the community. The Hebrew root for "brought" (יָצָא, yatsa) often implies a leading out or bringing forth, suggesting a process of accountability and transparency.

to the door of her father’s house
The "door of her father’s house" symbolizes the place of familial authority and protection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the father's house was the center of family life and honor. This location underscores the gravity of the offense, as it is a direct affront to the family’s honor and integrity.

and there the men of her city
The involvement of "the men of her city" highlights the communal nature of justice in Israel. The city elders or leaders were responsible for maintaining order and upholding the law. This reflects the societal structure where community leaders played a crucial role in enforcing legal and moral standards.

will stone her to death
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, reserved for severe offenses. The act of stoning required the participation of the community, symbolizing collective judgment and the seriousness of the crime. It served as a deterrent and a means to uphold the sanctity of the community.

She has done an outrageous thing in Israel
The phrase "outrageous thing" (נְבָלָה, nebalah) conveys a sense of moral and social violation. In the Hebrew context, it denotes an act of folly or disgrace that disrupts the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Such actions were seen as threats to the community’s spiritual and moral fabric.

by being promiscuous in her father’s house
"Being promiscuous" (זָנָה, zanah) refers to sexual immorality, which was considered a grave sin in Israelite society. The emphasis on "in her father’s house" underscores the betrayal of familial trust and the violation of the household’s sanctity. It highlights the importance of sexual purity and fidelity within the covenant community.

So you must purge the evil from among you
The command to "purge the evil" (בִּעַר, ba'ar) reflects the necessity of removing sin to maintain the holiness of the community. This phrase is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, emphasizing the need for Israel to remain distinct and set apart for God. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the communal responsibility to uphold God’s standards.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Young Woman
The central figure in this verse, accused of promiscuity while in her father's house.

2. The Father’s House
The location where the judgment is carried out, symbolizing the family’s honor and the community's moral standards.

3. The Community of Israel
The broader society that enforces the law to maintain purity and holiness.

4. The Elders and Judges
Though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, they are the ones responsible for carrying out the law and ensuring justice.

5. The Act of Stoning
A severe form of capital punishment used to remove evil from the community and serve as a deterrent.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
This passage underscores the gravity of sin, particularly sexual immorality, and its impact on the community.

Community Responsibility
The community is responsible for upholding God's standards and ensuring that sin is addressed and not tolerated.

The Role of Justice and Mercy
While the law demands justice, the New Testament introduces the balance of mercy and forgiveness through Christ.

Purity and Holiness
Believers are called to live lives of purity, reflecting God's holiness in their personal and communal lives.

Cultural Context and Application
Understanding the cultural and historical context of this law helps us apply its principles in a way that aligns with the teachings of Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cultural context of ancient Israel influence the understanding of this passage, and how can we apply its principles today?

2. In what ways does the New Testament teaching on sin and forgiveness modify or fulfill the Old Testament law as seen in Deuteronomy 22:21?

3. How can the church today balance the need for justice and the call to show mercy when dealing with sin within the community?

4. What steps can individuals and communities take to maintain purity and holiness in a modern context?

5. How does the concept of "purging evil" from the community apply to personal and communal life in the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 20:10
This verse also discusses the consequences of adultery, emphasizing the seriousness of sexual immorality in the community.

John 8:3-11
The account of the woman caught in adultery highlights Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness, contrasting with the Old Testament law.

1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Paul addresses immorality in the church, urging believers to remove the wicked from among them, echoing the principle of purging evil.

Matthew 5:27-28
Jesus expands on the concept of adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts are sinful, thus broadening the understanding of purity.