Many readers are shocked when they come upon the seemingly barbaric law found in Deuteronomy 25:11-12. How in the world could God ever sanction such a thing as chopping off a woman's hand for trying to defend her husband's life?? This passage provides a good case study into not only the Biblical laws, but also the culture and historical context of the ancient Near East in general. Take a listen and see just what the text is--and is NOT--actually teaching.
