No doubt in all instances, strict examination took place before punishment. The limitation of the number of stripes prevented the effects of rigour. The Jews have a tradition, that while the stripes were laying on, the judge of the court read those words of scripture; Deuteronomy 28:58-59, and Deuteronomy 29:9. And in after ages, Psalms 78:38. The apostle Paul tells us, that he suffered this punishment to the extreme point five times. 2 Corinthians 11:24. But what saith another apostle on the subject; 1 Peter 4:13-14.
Related Commentaries of Deuteronomy 25:1
Deuteronomy 25:1-3
1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
2 And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.
3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.