TRV
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Commentary on Numbers 5 verses 11–31
We have here the law concerning the solemn trial of a wife whose husband was jealous of her. Observe,
I. What was the case supposed: That a man had some reason to suspect his wife to have committed adultery, Num 5:12-14. Here, 1. The sin of adultery is justly represented as an exceedingly sinful sin; it is going aside from God and virtue, and the good way, Pro 2:17. It is committing a trespass against the husband, robbing him of his honour, alienating his right, introducing a spurious breed into his family to share with his children in his estate, and violating her covenant with him. It is being defiled; for nothing pollutes the mind and conscience more than this sin does. 2. It is supposed to be a sin which great care is taken by the sinners to conceal, which there is no witness of. The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Job 24:15. And the adulteress takes her opportunity when the good man is not at home, Pro 7:19. It would not covet to be secret if it were not shameful; and the devil who draws sinners to this sin teaches them how to cover it. 3. The spirit of jealousy is supposed to come upon the husband, of which Solomon says, It is the rage of a man (Pro 6:34), and that it is cruel as the grave, Sol 8:6. 4. "Yet" (say the Jewish writers) "he must make it appear that he has some just cause for the suspicion." The rule they give is, "If the husband have said unto his wife before witnesses, 'Be not thou in secret with such a man;' and, notwithstanding that admonition, it is afterwards proved that she was in secret with that man, though her father or her brother, then he may compel her to drink the bitter water." But the law here does not tie him to that particular method of proving the just cause of his suspicion; it might be otherwise proved. In case it could be proved that she had committed adultery, she was to be put to death (Lev 20:10); but, if it was uncertain, then this law took place. Hence, (1.) Let all wives be admonished not to give any the least occasion for the suspicion of their chastity; it is not enough that they abstain from the evil of uncleanness, but they must abstain from all appearance of it, from every thing that looks like it, or leads to it, or may give the least umbrage to jealousy; for how great a matter may a little fire kindle! (2.) Let all husbands be admonished not to entertain any causeless or unjust suspicions of their wives. If charity in general, much more conjugal affection, teaches to think no evil, Co1 13:5. It is the happiness of the virtuous woman that the heart of her husband does safely trust in her, Pro 31:11.
II. What was the course prescribed in this case, that, if the suspected wife was innocent, she might not continue under the reproach and uneasiness of her husband's jealousy, and, if guilty, her sin might find her out, and others might hear, and fear, and take warning.
1.The process of the trial must be thus: - (1.) Her husband must bring her to the priest, with the witnesses that could prove the ground of his suspicion, and desire that she might be put upon her trial. The Jews say that the priest was first to endeavour to persuade her to confess the truth, saying to this purport, "Dear daughter, perhaps thou wast overtaken by drinking wine, or wast carried away by the heat of youth or the examples of bad neighbours; come, confess the truth, for the sake of his great name which is described in the most sacred ceremony, and do not let it be blotted out with the bitter water." If she confessed, saying, "I am defiled," she was not put to death, but was divorced and lost her dowry; if she said, "I am pure," then they proceeded. (2.) He must bring a coarse offering of barley-meal, without oil or frankincense, agreeably to the present afflicted state of his family; for a great affliction it was either to have cause to be jealous or to be jealous without cause. It is an offering of memorial, to signify that what was to be done was intended as a religious appeal to the omniscience and justice of God. (3.) The priest was to prepare the water of jealousy, the holy water out of the laver at which the priests were to wash when they ministered; this must be brought in an earthen vessel, containing (they say) about a pint; and it must be an earthen vessel, because the coarser and plainer every thing was the more agreeable it was to the occasion. Dust must be put into the water, to signify the reproach she lay under, and the shame she ought to take to herself, putting her mouth in the dust; but dust from the floor of the tabernacle, to put an honour upon every thing that pertained to the place God had chosen to put his name there, and to keep up in the people a reverence for it; see Joh 8:6. (4.) The woman was to be set before the Lord, at the east gate of the temple-court (say the Jews), and her head was to be uncovered, in token of her sorrowful condition; and there she stood for a spectacle to the world, that other women might learn not to do after her lewdness, Eze 23:48. Only the Jews say, "Her own servants were not to be present, that she might not seem vile in their sight, who were to give honour to her; her husband also must be dismissed." (5.) The priest was to adjure her to tell the truth, and to denounce the curse of God against her if she were guilty, and to declare what would be the effect of her drinking the water of jealousy, Num 5:19-22. He must assure her that, if she were innocent, the water would do her no harm, Num 5:19. None need fear the curse of the law if they have not broken the commands of the law. But, if she were guilty, this water would be poison to her, it would make her belly to swell and her thigh to rot, and she should be a curse or abomination among her people, Num 5:21, Num 5:22. To this she must say, Amen, as Israel must do to the curses pronounced on mount Ebal, Deu 27:15-26. Some think the Amen, being doubled, respects both parts of the adjuration, both that which freed her if innocent and that which condemned her if guilty. No woman, if she were guilty, could say Amen to this adjuration, and drink the water upon it, unless she disbelieved the truth of God or defied his justice, and had come to such a pitch of impudence and hard-heartedness in sin as to challenge God Almighty to do his worst, and choose rather to venture upon his curse than to give him glory by making confession; thus has whoredom taken away the heart. (6.) The priest was to write this curse in a scrip or scroll o parchment, verbatim - word for word, as he had expressed it, and then to wipe or scrape out what he had written into the water (Num 5:23), to signify that it was that curse which impregnated the water, and gave it its strength to effect what was intended. It signified that, if she were innocent, the curse should be blotted out and never appear against her, as it is written, Isa 43:25, I am he that blotteth out thy transgression, and Psa 51:9, Blot out my iniquities; but that, if she were guilty, the curse, as it was written, being infused into the water, would enter into her bowels with the water, even like oil into her bones (Psa 109:18), as we read of a curse entering into a house, Zac 5:4. (7.) The woman must then drink the water (Num 5:24); it is called the bitter water, some think because they put wormwood in it to make it bitter, or rather because it caused the curse. Thus sin is called an evil thing and a bitter for the same reason, because it causeth the curse, Jer 2:19. If she had been guilty (and otherwise it did not cause the curse), she was made to know that though her stolen waters had been sweet, and her bread eaten in secret pleasant, yet the end was bitter as wormwood, Pro 9:17, and Pro 5:4. Let all that meddle with forbidden pleasures know that they will be bitterness in the latter end. The Jews say that if, upon denouncing the curse, the woman was so terrified that she durst not drink the water, but confessed she was defiled, the priest flung down the water, and cast her offering among the ashes, and she was divorced without dowry: if she confessed not, and yet would not drink, they forced her to it; and, if she was ready to throw it up again, they hastened her away, that she might not pollute the holy place. (8.) Before she drank the water, the jealousy-offering was waved and offered upon the altar (Num 5:25, Num 5:26); a handful of it was burnt for a memorial, and the remainder of it eaten by the priest, unless the husband was a priest, and then it was scattered among the ashes. This offering in the midst of the transaction signified that the whole was an appeal to God, as a God that knows all things, and from whom no secret is hid. (9.) All things being thus performed according to the law, they were to wait the issue. The water, with a little dust put into it, and the scrapings of a written parchment, had no natural tendency at all to do either good or hurt; but if God was thus appealed to in the way of an instituted ordinance, though otherwise the innocent might have continued under suspicion and the guilty undiscovered, yet God would so far own his own institution as that in a little time, by the miraculous operation of Providence, the innocency of the innocent should be cleared, and the sin of the guilty should find them out. [1.] If the suspected woman was really guilty, the water she drank would be poison to her (Num 5:27), her belly would swell and her thigh rot by a vile disease for vile deserts, and she would mourn at the last when her flesh and body were consumed, Pro 5:11. Bishop Patrick says, from some of the Jewish writers, that the effect of these waters appeared immediately, she grew pale, and her eyes ready to start out of her head. Dr. Lightfoot says that sometimes it appeared not for two or three years, but she bore no children, was sickly, languished, and rotted at last; it is probable that some indications appeared immediately. The rabbin say that the adulterer also died in the same day and hour that the adulteress did, and in the same manner too, that he belly swelled, and his secret parts rotted: a disease perhaps not much unlike that which in these latter ages the avenging hand of a righteous God has made the scourge of uncleanness, and with which whores and whoremongers infect, and plague, and ruin one another, since they escape punishment from men. The Jewish doctors add that the waters had this effect upon the adulteress only in case the husband had never offended in the same kind; but that, if he had at any time defiled the marriage-bed, God did not thus right him against his injurious wife; and that therefore in the latter and degenerate ages of the Jewish church, when uncleanness did abound, this way of trial was generally disused and laid aside; men, knowing their own crimes, were content not to know their wives' crimes. And to this perhaps may refer the threatening (Hos 4:14), I will not punish your spouses when they commit adultery, for you yourselves are separated with whores. [2.] If she were innocent, the water she drank would be physic to her: She shall be free, and shall conceive seed, Num 5:28. The Jewish writers magnify the good effects of this water to the innocent woman, that, to recompense her for the wrong done to her by the suspicion, she should, after the drinking of these waters, be stronger and look better than ever; if she was sickly, she should become healthful, should bear a man-child, and have easy labour.
2.From the whole we may learn, (1.) That secret sins are known to God, and sometimes are strangely brought to light in this life; however, there is a day coming when God will, by Jesus Christ, as here by the priest, judge the secrets of men according to the gospel, Rom 2:16. (2.) That, in particular, Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. The violation of conjugal faith and chastity is highly provoking to the God of heaven, and sooner or later it will be reckoned for. Though we have not now the waters of jealousy to be a sensible terror to the unclean, yet we have a word from God which ought to be as great a terror, that if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, Co1 3:17. (3.) That God will find out some way or other to clear the innocency of the innocent, and to bring forth their righteousness as the light. (4.) That to the pure all things are pure, but to the defiled nothing is so, Tit 1:15. The same word is to some a savour of life unto life, to others a savour of death unto death, like those waters of jealousy, according as they receive it; the same providence is for good to some and for hurt to others, Jer 24:5, Jer 24:8, Jer 24:9. And, whatsoever it is intended for, it shall not return void.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 5:25 details a crucial procedural step within the "Law of Jealousy" (the Sotah ritual), where the officiating priest formally receives the designated jealousy offering from the hand of the accused woman. This transfer of the offering symbolizes the woman's submission to the divine test and the priest's role as mediator. The priest then performs a solemn "waving" gesture, presenting the offering directly before the LORD, before placing it upon the altar. This sequence of actions marks the formal initiation of the divine arbitration, transitioning the matter from human suspicion to God's ultimate judgment and revelation of truth within the covenant community.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. Ritual Drama is paramount, as the entire "Law of Jealousy" unfolds as a meticulously choreographed sequence of actions, gestures, and spoken words. Each step, including the priest taking and waving the offering, contributes to the solemnity and dramatic tension of the occasion, creating a public spectacle of divine judgment. Symbolism pervades the ritual: the "jealousy offering" itself, made of barley without oil or frankincense, symbolizes the bitterness, lack of joy, and distress inherent in the situation. The act of Waving is highly symbolic of presentation, dedication, and an appeal for divine intervention, a visual prayer directed at God. The woman's unbound hair (Numbers 5:18) symbolizes her shame, vulnerability, and public exposure. The Altar serves as a potent Focal Point, representing God's immediate presence and the sacred space where human matters are brought for divine discernment and judgment. These combined elements create a powerful, multi-sensory experience designed to impress upon all participants the gravity of the situation and the absolute authority of God in revealing hidden truths.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:25 profoundly underscores several theological truths about God's character and His active engagement with humanity. It reveals God as the ultimate arbiter of truth, especially in situations where human evidence is insufficient or entirely absent. This ritual highlights His omniscience, demonstrating unequivocally that no secret deed, no hidden motive, and no private sin is concealed from His all-seeing eye. Furthermore, it emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to justice and the sanctity of covenant relationships, particularly marriage, within His people. The divine intervention sought through this ritual affirms that God cares deeply about purity and integrity within His community, providing a recourse when human systems of justice fall short. It underscores that God is not a distant deity but one intimately involved in the moral fabric of His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of the jealousy offering is part of the Old Covenant Mosaic Law and is not literally practiced by believers today, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for our lives. This passage serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the sanctity of covenant, even in the most private and complex human situations. It challenges us to cultivate lives of profound integrity and transparency, knowing that nothing is truly hidden from God's all-seeing eye. For those in relationships, it underscores the sacredness of covenant commitments and the vital importance of fidelity, trust, and purity. When faced with ambiguity, suspicion, or the temptation to conceal, this passage calls us to trust in God's ultimate righteousness and His perfect ability to discern and reveal truth, rather than resorting to human judgment, bitterness, or deception. Ultimately, it encourages us to live in conscious awareness of God's omnipresence and His perfect knowledge, striving to honor Him in all our actions, thoughts, and relationships.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was such a ritual necessary in ancient Israel?
Answer: This ritual was necessary primarily because it addressed a specific legal and social dilemma: a husband's strong, unproven suspicion of his wife's infidelity. In a society where marital fidelity was paramount and adultery was a capital offense, the absence of witnesses or concrete evidence created an untenable situation. The ritual served several crucial purposes: it provided a formal, divinely sanctioned process for resolving such ambiguous cases, preventing either an accused woman from being condemned without proof or an unfaithful wife from escaping justice. It protected the accused woman from mere rumor or unsubstantiated accusation by allowing God to be the ultimate judge. It upheld the sanctity of marriage and communal purity by ensuring that hidden sin could be exposed by divine means. Finally, it offered a path to resolution for the husband's intense "jealousy" or suspicion, which could otherwise fester and lead to domestic or communal strife. It demonstrated God's direct involvement in the moral and social fabric of His covenant people, as seen throughout the Law in Deuteronomy.
Is the "jealousy offering" still relevant for believers today?
Answer: While the specific ritual of the jealousy offering is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and is not literally practiced by Christians today, its underlying theological and ethical principles remain profoundly relevant. It powerfully illustrates God's character as omniscient, just, and deeply concerned with the purity and integrity of His people. It reminds us that God sees all things, even our most hidden thoughts and actions, and that ultimately, all truth will be revealed (Luke 12:2). For believers, this passage underscores the importance of personal integrity, marital fidelity, and trusting in God's perfect judgment rather than relying solely on human means or succumbing to suspicion. It points to a God who cares about justice and truth in our relationships and in our hearts, echoing the call to holiness and purity found throughout Scripture (1 Peter 1:15-16).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Law of Jealousy, with its intricate ritual and solemn appeal to divine judgment, ultimately points to humanity's profound need for a perfect revelation of truth and a complete, final atonement for sin, both of which are fully realized in Jesus Christ. The "jealousy offering" highlighted the limitations of human justice in discerning hidden sin and administering a definitive verdict, creating a longing for a divine intervention that was more than symbolic. Christ fulfills this longing as the ultimate High Priest, who not only discerns the secrets of all hearts but also offers Himself as the one true and final sacrifice for all sin—both known and unknown, public and hidden (Hebrews 9:11-14). Unlike the temporary offering of barley, Christ's blood cleanses the conscience from dead works to serve the living God, providing eternal redemption. Where the ritual in Numbers brought a woman to the brink of judgment, Jesus, in His encounter with the woman caught in adultery, demonstrated a divine justice perfectly tempered with mercy and grace, revealing that He had come not to condemn the world but to save it (John 8:1-11; John 3:17). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, perfectly fulfilling the need for a spotless offering and providing the ultimate revelation of God's truth and His path to reconciliation for all who trust in Him.