What does Deuteronomy 22:22 reveal about God's view on adultery? Scripture Focus “If a man is found lying with a married woman, then both the man who lay with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.” (Deuteronomy 22:22) Immediate Context • Chapter 22 addresses personal holiness, sexual purity, and community responsibility in ancient Israel. • Verses 20–29 outline several sexual offenses; adultery is singled out for the most severe penalty. • The command is given to a covenant people whose civil law reflected God’s moral standards. Key Observations • Adultery is called “evil” that must be purged. • Both parties—man and woman—bear equal responsibility and receive the same sentence. • Capital punishment underscores the gravity of violating the marriage covenant. • The law protects the sanctity of marriage and the stability of the entire community. What This Reveals About God’s View of Adultery 1. God views adultery as a direct assault on His covenant design for marriage. 2. The sin is not merely private; it defiles the whole community (“purge the evil from Israel”). 3. Equality before the law reflects God’s impartial justice—neither gender receives leniency. 4. The death penalty shows that unrepentant adultery merits ultimate judgment, foreshadowing eternal consequences. Broader Biblical Witness • Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) • Parallel statute: “If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife…both must surely be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10) • Wisdom warning: “He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32) • New-Testament affirmation: – “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” (Hebrews 13:4) – Jesus deepens the standard to the heart level (Matthew 5:27-28). – Believers are urged to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Implications for Today • God still treasures marital faithfulness; His moral character does not change. • While the theocratic penalty no longer applies, the seriousness of adultery remains. • Restoration and forgiveness are available through Christ (John 8:11), yet true repentance must accompany grace. • Upholding marital vows honors God, safeguards families, and presents a holy witness to the world. |
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