>He didn't bash her head in with a rock.? True. Would that have been lawful according to the bible considering the information given? Not dealing out an unlawful punishment is not mercy. It is law abiding. I think he did show some compassion. He could have called for the man to be brought and had them both stoned. Instead he used tact to get the accusers to drop their charges. Gods law always allows for grace, compassion, and even mercy.