The artwork above is a single piece in a series entitled 40 minus 1. This number refers to the maximum lashes that could be administered to a transgressor according to ancient Jewish law.
In theory the practice was intended to be corrective rather than a means of retribution. The practice of flogging replaced capital punishment and as hard as it may be to imagine was perceived by the ancients as an action that preserved human life and reflected God’s mercy. The number of lashes became the standard to insure that no one died as a result of their punishment. The lashes were administered with a whip made of leather to bare skin. One third of the strokes were given on the breast and two thirds on the back. If a death did occur during a flogging and the executioner failed to adhere to the regulations, the one administering the punishment was sent to a city of refuge for accidental homicide.
Today we don’t flog people, but certainly we can reflect on modern day forms of punishment. Is the intent corrective or vengeful? Does the punishment dignify human life and reflect mercy? Are the mental scars left by non-physical forms of retribution any less damaging to our fellow human beings? Are our words and everyday interactions life giving, or, do we intend to inflict pain in retribution for a perceived harm? When does truth telling, corrective action or a difficult confrontation truly have a positive impact? Could it be that when done with love and humility, corrective punishment is appropriate, necessary and perhaps even beautiful?
Could it be that there is value in speaking the truth in love?