Numbers 5:30

Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.

Or when the spirit {H7307} of jealousy {H7068} cometh {H5674} upon him {H376}, and he be jealous {H7065} over his wife {H802}, and shall set {H5975} the woman {H802} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and the priest {H3548} shall execute {H6213} upon her all this law {H8451}.

or the spirit of jealousy comes over a husband and he becomes jealous of his wife, then he is to place the woman before ADONAI, and the cohen is to deal with her in accordance with all of this law.

or when a feeling of jealousy comes over a husband and he suspects his wife. He is to have the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest is to apply to her this entire law.

or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon a man, and he is jealous of his wife; then shall he set the woman before Jehovah, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 5:30 is the concluding verse of the "Law of Jealousy," a unique and detailed ritual prescribed by God for ancient Israel (Numbers 5:11-31). This law addressed situations where a husband suspected his wife of infidelity, even without direct evidence. In a society that lacked modern forensic methods, this divine ordinance provided a structured, priestly process to determine guilt or innocence, aiming to prevent vigilantism and protect both the sanctity of marriage and the unjustly accused wife. The entire procedure, culminating in this verse, involved bringing the woman before the Lord, performing specific ceremonies, and administering a "bitter water" to see if God would reveal the truth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Concern for Marital Purity: The law underscores God's deep concern for the fidelity within the marriage covenant, which was central to the social and spiritual fabric of Israel. It reveals that matters of sexual purity were not merely private but had communal and divine significance.
  • The "Spirit of Jealousy": The phrase "spirit of jealousy" (Hebrew: ruach qin'ah) refers to the strong suspicion or emotional state of the husband. This was not necessarily a sinful jealousy, but a compelling feeling that warranted divine intervention to resolve the uncertainty and maintain order.
  • Divine Judgment and Revelation: This ritual was an appeal to God for supernatural revelation of hidden sin. Unlike human courts, which rely on evidence, this process relied on God's direct intervention to bring truth to light, offering a unique form of divine judgment. This concept resonates with how all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
  • Protection for the Innocent: While seemingly harsh, the ritual also served to protect an innocent woman from baseless accusations and public disgrace, allowing her to be divinely vindicated.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spirit of jealousy" translates the Hebrew Χ¨Χ•ΦΌΧ—Φ· קִנְאָה (ruach qin'ah). Ruach can mean "spirit," "wind," or "breath," often indicating a powerful, impelling force. Qin'ah denotes "zeal," "envy," or "jealousy." In this context, it signifies an intense, consuming suspicion that drives the husband to seek resolution. This is distinct from God's own "jealousy" for His covenant people, as seen in Exodus 34:14, which is a righteous zeal for exclusive devotion.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual of the bitter water is not practiced today, Numbers 5:30 and the surrounding law still convey timeless principles:

  • God's Value of Truth and Justice: The passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to truth and justice, especially in matters of moral purity and marital fidelity.
  • Importance of Marital Faithfulness: It reinforces the sanctity of marriage and the importance of keeping the marriage bed undefiled, a principle reiterated throughout scripture.
  • Addressing Suspicion: Though the method is ancient, the underlying need to address serious suspicions within relationships, rather than letting them fester, remains. Modern approaches emphasize communication, counseling, and trust.
  • Divine Revelation of Hidden Things: The ordeal points to the reality that God sees and knows all things, and ultimately, hidden deeds will be brought to light.
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Cross-References

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