Definition: Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her fatherâÂÂs house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her fatherâÂÂs house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:21. Itâs a pretty serious and impactful passage about forgiveness and consequences. Hereâs a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Woman's Sin: The verse describes a woman who has been found guilty of a serious mistake â sheâs been âplaying the whore in her fatherâs house.â This is a strong metaphor, meaning sheâs behaving in a way thatâs considered immoral or sinful, perhaps through gossip, betrayal, or disrespect. The Punishment: The punishment for this sin is brutal. It's ordered to bring the woman before her fatherâs door and have her killed with stones. This isnât just about her death; it's meant to be a symbolic act of removing evil from Israel. Letâs unpack the meaning in simpler terms: âWrought folly in Israelâ: This is the key. The womanâs actions were causing trouble and wrongdoing within the community of Israel. She was disrupting peace and trust. âPlay the whoreâ: This is a really important and evocative phrase. It means she's been engaging in dishonest, immoral, or rebellious behavior â perhaps through gossip, spreading lies, or betraying others. It suggests a loss of moral standards. âPut evil away from among youâ: This part emphasizes the importance of restoring goodness and righteousness within Israel. The punishment is meant to be a cleansing process â to remove the negativity and corrupting influence that the woman represents. Whatâs the overall message? This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and forgiveness. It's about acknowledging wrongdoing, taking responsibility, and striving to restore peace and trust within the community. Itâs a call to be careful not to let our own failings impact others. Important Note: This is a very old passage from a law book, and it was written in a time when Israel was facing significant challenges. The message of forgiveness and restoration continues to resonate today. --- Resources for Further Exploration (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/22/Deuteronomy+22%3A21](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/22/Deuteronomy+22%3A21) - This allows you to read the verse in multiple translations and see context. Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuteronomy_22:21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuteronomy_22:21) - A good overview of the verse's history and significance. Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse, like its historical context or theological meaning? For example, would you like to know more about why it was written in such a dramatic way?