Topical Encyclopedia Adultery, defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, is a significant moral and legal issue addressed in the Bible, particularly concerning the Israelites. The act is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational moral code for the Israelite community. Exodus 20:14 (BSB) states, "You shall not commit adultery," underscoring the gravity of this sin in the eyes of God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, adultery is not only a personal sin but also a violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes, and adherence to His commandments was essential for maintaining this covenant. Leviticus 20:10 (BSB) prescribes severe consequences for adultery: "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death." This harsh penalty reflects the seriousness with which God viewed the sanctity of marriage and the need to preserve the moral integrity of the community. The narrative of King David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 illustrates the destructive consequences of adultery. David's sin with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, led to a series of tragic events, including deceit, murder, and the eventual death of their child. This account serves as a cautionary tale about the far-reaching impact of adultery on individuals, families, and the nation as a whole. Prophetic Warnings The prophets frequently used the metaphor of adultery to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Spiritual adultery, characterized by idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, was a recurring theme in the prophetic literature. Jeremiah 3:8 (BSB) declares, "Because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away." Here, the prophet Jeremiah equates Israel's idolatry with marital unfaithfulness, emphasizing the breach of the covenant relationship with God. Hosea's marriage to Gomer, a woman described as adulterous, serves as a living parable of God's enduring love and faithfulness despite Israel's repeated infidelities. Hosea 3:1 (BSB) states, "Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods." This prophetic act underscores God's desire for repentance and restoration, even in the face of spiritual adultery. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the dangers of adultery. Proverbs 6:32-33 (BSB) warns, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away." These verses highlight the personal and social consequences of adultery, emphasizing the loss of honor and the enduring shame associated with the sin. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament shifts the focus from legalistic penalties to the heart's condition, it continues to affirm the prohibition against adultery. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, expands the understanding of adultery to include even lustful thoughts. Matthew 5:27-28 (BSB) records His words: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching emphasizes the importance of inner purity and the need for a transformed heart. The New Testament also offers hope for forgiveness and redemption. In John 8:3-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery demonstrates Jesus' compassion and call to repentance. After challenging those without sin to cast the first stone, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11, BSB). This encounter highlights the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning for those who turn away from sin. Conclusion Adultery, both physical and spiritual, is consistently portrayed in the Bible as a serious offense against God and others. The Israelites were called to uphold the sanctity of marriage and remain faithful to their covenant with God. Through the law, prophetic warnings, and wisdom literature, the Bible underscores the destructive nature of adultery while also offering a path to forgiveness and restoration through repentance and faithfulness to God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 32:6,25And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 29:23 Ezekiel 22:9-11 Ezekiel 33:26 Hosea 7:4 Library God's Commands to the People On the Commandments of God Book 4 Footnotes But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who... Evil Thoughts. The Way of Life and the Way of Death. The Foundations of Good Citizenship. Perseverance of Saints. They Indeed who Say that Baptism is not to be Repeated... Commandments to Men. Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical punishment for adultery? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not commit adultery" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Adultery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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