...Even today in the Middle East women are put to death for sexual sins.
The threat of verses 20-21 is a theoretical one to impress upon the accusing husband the seriousness of his allegations. It is inconceivable that the ancient Hebrews would stone a woman to death for sheer lack of virginity.
HH: First, it is not inconceivable, because plenty of other Mosaic laws threaten death or similar consequences for sexual sins. Second, the law codes of the ancient world could be very harsh. If you read the law codes of other ancient peoples like the Assyrians, you will see that it is not at all inconceivable.
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