Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 22 - Verse 17

Within this verse, we see a situation where a man is accusing a woman of not being a virgin before marriage. In ancient times, a woman's virginity before marriage was highly valued, and proof of this purity was required to avoid shame and stigma. The tokens of a woman's virginity were often a cloth that would show evidence of blood from the first time she had intercourse. In this case, the accused woman's father presents this cloth to the elders of the city as proof of her virtue. The elders would then examine the evidence and make a judgment on the matter. This practice highlights the importance placed on sexual purity in ancient societies and the severe consequences that could come from being accused of not upholding traditional values.

In this verse from Deuteronomy 22:15, a man accuses a woman of not being a virgin on her wedding night. The woman's parents present proof of her virginity to the elders of the city in the form of a cloth with bloodstains from the wedding night. The theological interpretation of this passage revolves around the importance of sexual purity in ancient Israelite society. Virginity was highly valued as a symbol of a woman's faithfulness and purity, and any accusation against a woman's virginity was taken seriously. This passage highlights the strict moral code that governed relationships and marriage in biblical times. The word "tokens" in this verse refers to physical evidence or proof, emphasizing the significance of tangible evidence in the judicial process. Overall, this passage sheds light on the cultural and moral norms of ancient Israel and the importance of upholding societal standards of purity and honesty.