Deuteronomy 22:24

you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death--the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor's wife. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Study Bible

you are to take both of them
This phrase indicates a communal responsibility in the enforcement of justice. In ancient Israel, the community played a crucial role in maintaining the moral and legal standards set by God. The Hebrew root for "take" (לָקַח, laqach) implies a deliberate action, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the necessity for communal involvement in upholding the law.

to the gate of that city
The city gate was a central place for legal matters, public gatherings, and judgment in ancient Israelite society. It was here that elders and leaders would convene to decide on legal cases. The gate symbolizes transparency and public accountability, ensuring that justice is not carried out in secret but in the sight of the community.

and stone them to death
Stoning was a method of capital punishment in ancient Israel, reflecting the severity of the crime. The act of stoning involved the community, symbolizing collective responsibility in eradicating sin. The Hebrew word for "stone" (סָקַל, saqal) conveys a sense of purging impurity, aligning with the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from sin.

the girl because she did not cry out in the city
This phrase underscores the expectation of resistance in the face of wrongdoing. In the cultural and historical context, a city was a place where help could be sought, and silence implied consent. The emphasis is on the importance of vocalizing opposition to sin, reflecting a broader biblical principle of standing against evil.

and the man because he has violated another man’s wife
The term "violated" (עָנָה, anah) in Hebrew suggests an act of humiliation and oppression. This phrase highlights the sanctity of marriage and the severe consequences of adultery. The violation of marital vows is seen as an affront not only to the individuals involved but to the community and God’s covenantal order.

You must purge the evil from among you
This command reflects a recurring theme in Deuteronomy: the necessity of removing sin to maintain the holiness of the community. The Hebrew word for "purge" (בָּעַר, baar) means to burn or consume, indicating a complete eradication of evil. This phrase 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
In this context, she is engaged to be married, and her actions are under scrutiny for not crying out for help, which implies consent in the cultural context of the time.

2. The Man
He is accused of violating the young woman, which is considered an act of adultery since she is pledged to another man.

3. The City Gate
This is the place of judgment and public assembly in ancient Israelite society, where legal matters were often addressed.

4. The Act of Stoning
A form of capital punishment used in ancient Israel to purge evil from the community, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

5. The Community
The broader society is involved in maintaining moral and legal order, highlighting communal responsibility in upholding God's laws.

Teaching Points

Understanding Context
Recognize the cultural and historical context of ancient Israelite law, which aimed to maintain social order and purity.

The Seriousness of Sin
This passage underscores the gravity of sexual immorality and the importance of faithfulness in relationships.

Community Responsibility
The involvement of the community in executing judgment highlights the collective responsibility to uphold God's standards.

The Role of Mercy
While the law is strict, the New Testament introduces the concept of grace and forgiveness, encouraging believers to seek a balance between justice and mercy.

Personal Integrity
Reflect on personal actions and thoughts, striving for purity and faithfulness in all relationships, as taught by Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel help us interpret Deuteronomy 22:24 today?

2. In what ways does the New Testament teaching on mercy and forgiveness influence our understanding of justice as seen in this passage?

3. How can we apply the principle of community responsibility in maintaining moral standards in our own communities?

4. What steps can we take to ensure personal integrity and faithfulness in our relationships, in light of Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:27-28?

5. How do we balance the need for justice with the call to show mercy, as demonstrated in the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-11?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 20:10
This verse also addresses the punishment for adultery, reinforcing the severity of the sin and the need for communal purity.

John 8:3-11
The account of the woman caught in adultery provides a New Testament perspective on mercy and forgiveness, contrasting with the Old Testament law.

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