Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 10/4/2007

Question
Hello,

This is a serious question, I am not a prankster,

I have never understood the viginity cloth of the Old Testament,

From what I know, it was like a bedsheet that was used during the consumation of a marriage that contained blood from the bride.

But this makes no sense, because to be a virgin did not mean that the person had never used pleasure toys while yet single.

And, anyone could stain a sheet with blood from their finger to use as proof.

I have never been able to figure this whole thing out from;

Deuteronomy 22:17
Now he has slandered her and said, 'I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.' But here is the proof of my daughter's virginity." Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town,

Could you please help me,
Thanks,
AL
www.TheBiggestBibleMistakeEver.com

Answer
Hi Al,

I am very sorry for this late response.  Thank you for your question.  The marriage sheet was an ancient custon.  I agree that it could be faked, but that is the way that they would witness purity.  It is also important to understand that virginity was such an important thing to preserve in that culture, women would use great caution riding horses, doing work, or anything else that would damage the hymen.  Sex toys that would cause defloration were very rare, the way I understand it.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ,
Pastor Don