Summary of the Verse

This verse addresses the situation where a man accused his wife of not being a virgin at the time of their marriage. The father then presents his case to the city elders, highlighting the communal and legal aspects of marital fidelity and societal standards in Israelite law.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of a father's role in defending his daughter’s honor. He notes that the mention of hatred implies a serious breach of trust and lays out the legal implications of such accusations in the context of societal values.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes provides a historical context where such practices were necessary to maintain the integrity of family and community. He highlights the protective nature of these laws towards women in ancient Israel against false accusations.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke points out the procedural nature of the law as a safeguard against wrongful accusations, illustrating the societal system of checks and balances that existed among the people of Israel.

Thematic Connections

This verse relates to broader themes within the Bible concerning marriage, fidelity, and community justice. It highlights the value placed on upholding family honor and the legal frameworks designed to protect individuals from false claims.

Bible Verse Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 22:13-21: Discusses the laws surrounding accusations of a wife's virginity.
• Exodus 22:16-17: Addresses the consequences of seduction and the responsibilities of the seducer.
• Leviticus 20:10: Discusses the penalties for adultery, underscoring the seriousness of marital fidelity.
• Proverbs 6:32-33: Highlights the folly and repercussions of infidelity.
• Malachi 2:16: Affirms God's disdain for divorce, supporting the sanctity of marriage.
• Matthew 5:31-32: Jesus’ teaching on divorce which parallels the importance of marital fidelity.
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: Paul’s exhortation regarding marriage and divorce supports Jesus' views on marital commitment.

Tools for Biblical Cross-Referencing

To explore deeper connections between Bible verses, here are some tools that can be beneficial:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Cross-reference Bible study methods
• Bible reference resources
• Bible chain references

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 22:16 serves as a crucial verse illustrating the balance between personal honor, community responsibility, and legal justice in ancient society. By comparing this verse with other biblical texts, one can better understand the importance of fidelity and integrity within the covenant community of Israel.