Shalom, Mitspacha!
Prohibition of Adultery
“You shall not commit adultery.”
- Shemoth (Exodus) 20:14
“Do not commit adultery.”
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 5:18
“But the man who commits adultery with another man's wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall certainly be put to death.”
- Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 20:10
The prohibition of adultery protects the sanctity and faithfulness of the marriage covenant. Yesterday we considered justice and stability within the home. Today we examine one of the actions that directly violates that stability and breaks the trust established within marriage.
YHVH's command is clear: adultery is forbidden. It is not merely a private matter between individuals, because it violates an existing covenant and causes harm beyond the immediate act.
Marriage involves exclusive covenantal faithfulness. Adultery introduces betrayal, deception and divided loyalty into a relationship that is intended to be marked by trust and fidelity.
The prohibition also demonstrates that sexual conduct is not separated from righteousness. YHVH establishes boundaries around sexual relationships because they affect covenant, family, trust, dignity and the stability of the household.
The severity of the Torah's penalty demonstrates how seriously adultery was regarded within the covenant community. While the civil penalties belonging to ancient Yisrael are not simply transferred into modern societies, the moral prohibition remains clear.
Adultery often begins before the physical act. Deception, secret relationships, deliberate cultivation of inappropriate intimacy and the willingness to entertain desires that violate covenant faithfulness can all undermine a marriage long before adultery becomes visible.
Faithfulness therefore requires guarding the heart as well as one's actions. A person who values the marriage covenant must recognise temptation early and make decisions that protect trust rather than deliberately moving toward betrayal.
Adultery can cause deep damage to spouses, children and the wider household. The consequences may include broken trust, emotional suffering, family instability and long-lasting wounds. This is why the command should be understood not merely as a restriction, but also as protection.
YHVH's standard also calls us to reject double standards. Men and women are both accountable for sexual faithfulness. No person should use authority, opportunity, dissatisfaction or personal desire as an excuse to violate another person's covenant.
At the same time, we must distinguish between condemning adultery and condemning those who have been betrayed. The person who has suffered unfaithfulness is not responsible for another person's sin. Justice requires truth, accountability and appropriate care.
As we prepare to enter Shabbat, let us examine our own hearts and relationships. May we honour the covenants we have made, reject secrecy and deception, and choose faithfulness even when temptation presents an easier path.
Heavenly Father, YHVH, thank You for Your righteous instruction and for the protection Your commands provide. Help us to honour the sanctity of marriage and remain faithful to the covenants we have made.
Guard husbands and wives from adultery, temptation, deception and divided loyalty. Give them wisdom to recognise dangerous paths early and strength to turn away from anything that could damage their covenant.
Protect marriages and families from the consequences of betrayal. Bring truth where there has been secrecy, accountability where there has been wrongdoing and righteous support where people have been wounded.
Protect those who have suffered betrayal from bitterness, despair and further harm. Give them wisdom, dignity and trustworthy people who can support them as they seek a righteous way forward.
Teach those who are preparing for marriage to understand the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and to enter marriage with honesty, maturity and reverence.
Help us to guard not only our actions but also our thoughts, choices and relationships. May our lives demonstrate integrity and faithfulness before You.
Baruch YHVH. Emet.
“YHVH bless you and keep you;
YHVH make His face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
YHVH lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace.”
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24-26
Shalom until tomorrow.