◄ Numbers 5 ►
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Cleansing the Camps (Leviticus 13:1–46) 1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease,a anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. 3You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.” 4So the Israelites did this, sending such people outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses. Confession and Restitution (Luke 19:1–10) 5And the LORD said to Moses, 6“Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty 7and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged. 8But if the man has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, by which the atonement is made for him. 9Every sacred contribution the Israelites bring to the priest shall belong to him. 10Each man’s sacred gifts are his own, but whatever he gives to the priest will belong to the priest.” The Adultery Test 11Then the LORD said to Moses, 12“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him 13by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act), 14and if a feeling of jealousy comes over her husband and he suspects his wife who has defiled herself—or if a feeling of jealousy comes over him and he suspects her even though she has not defiled herself— 15then he is to bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring for her an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour.b He is not to pour oil over it or put frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, an offering of memorial as a reminder of iniquity. 16The priest is to bring the wife forward and have her stand before the LORD. 17Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. 18After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. 19And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse. 20But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’— 21and the priest shall have the woman swear under the oath of the curse—‘then may the LORD make you an attested curse among your people by making your thigh shrivel and your belly swell. 22May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.’ Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’ 23And the priest shall write these curses on a scroll and wash them off into the bitter water. 24He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and may cause her bitter suffering. 25The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar. 26Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar; after that he is to have the woman drink the water. 27When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering; her belly will swell, her thigh will shrivel, and she will become accursed among her people. 28But if the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, she will be unaffected and able to conceive children. 29This is the law of jealousy when a wife goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority, 30or 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. 31The husband will be free from guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.” Footnotes: 2 a Forms of the Hebrew tzaraath, traditionally translated as leprosy, were used for various skin diseases; see Leviticus 13. 15 b A tenth of an ephah is approximately 2 dry quarts or 2.2 liters (probably about 3.5 pounds or 1.6 kilograms of barley flour). Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Numbers 5 Summary Cleansing the Camps Verses 1–4 – Purity Outside the Camp Yahweh instructs Moses to send every person who is ceremonially unclean—those with a skin disease, bodily discharge, or defilement from a corpse—outside the camp so that the place where He dwells will not be contaminated. The Israelites immediately obey and relocate the affected individuals. Verses 5–10 – Confession and Restitution Anyone who wrongs another must admit the guilt, repay the full amount plus an additional twenty percent, and present a ram of atonement. If the wronged party has no close relative alive to receive the payment, the restitution and the accompanying sacrifices go to the priest. Verses 11–31 – The Jealousy Ordeal If a husband suspects adultery but lacks proof, he brings his wife to the priest with an offering of barley flour. The priest prepares “holy water,” mixes in tabernacle dust, loosens the woman’s hair, places the offering in her hands, and writes a curse on a scroll, washing the ink into the bitter water: “May this water…cause your abdomen to swell and your womb to miscarry” (paraphrased from vv. 21–22). The woman drinks. If guilty, her body suffers the curse; if innocent, nothing happens, and she is declared clean. The man will bear no guilt for taking this step; the woman bears the consequence if she has been unfaithful. Numbers Chapter 5, set within the context of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, presents a clear delineation of laws and procedures for managing social, moral, and spiritual issues within the community. This chapter focuses on the issues of ritual cleanliness, the need for restitution when a wrong has been committed, and a unique test for suspected marital infidelity. Purity in a Mobile Sanctuary • The tabernacle’s center-camp position made ritual impurity a real threat. Contagious disease, bodily discharges, and corpse contact correspond to Leviticus 13–15. Moving the unclean people outside the camp safeguarded everyone and mirrored God’s distinction between holy and common. • Hebrews 13:12 reflects the same pattern: “Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, in order to sanctify the people by His own blood”. Christ bore uncleanness so believers could draw near. Confession and Restitution—Healing Broken Relationships • Verse 7 says, “They must confess the sin they have committed.” Genuine repentance always includes words and actions. Compare Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9. • Adding one-fifth parallels Leviticus 6:5. Restitution protects the victim, teaches responsibility, and discourages future wrongdoing. • Zacchaeus echoes this spirit: “If I have cheated anyone of anything, I will repay four times the amount” (Luke 19:8). Why the Priests Received Payment • When no relative lives to collect restitution (v. 8), the priest stands in. Numbers 18:8-9 had already granted certain offerings to priests; here, the priest receives because he represents both God and the wronged party. • This closes every loophole—no thief can keep stolen property on a technicality. Marriage, Jealousy, and the Jealousy Offering • God calls Himself “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5). Marital jealousy can mirror divine passion when it guards covenant faithfulness. • The ordeal’s steps match legal practices in the ancient Near East, but Israel’s version is unique: no human judge pronounces guilt. Only God decides. • Barley flour is inexpensive, signaling neither spouse can “buy” a favorable outcome. No oil or incense (v. 15) ensures the offering highlights sin, not celebration. • The dust from the tabernacle floor links the test to God’s presence; the ink washed from the written curse shows the woman symbolically “drinking” the words. • The curse affects fertility, a key blessing in Israel (Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 7:14). Loss of fertility would be a public sign of guilt. Archaeological and Cultural Notes • Tablets from Mari and Nuzi refer to water ordeals, but those rituals typically forced both accuser and accused into a river. Numbers 5 protects the husband from risk and entrusts judgment to the LORD alone. • Isolation of lepers outside city walls is confirmed by medieval leper colonies; though later, they illustrate that long-term quarantine was workable even without modern medicine. Legal Safeguards for Women • Although the rite sounds severe, it actually shields women from arbitrary divorce or lynching. Without proof, a suspicious husband could divorce his wife (Deuteronomy 24:1). Numbers 5 offers a path to clear her name. • Innocence leads to blessing: “She will be unaffected and will be able to conceive children” (v. 28). Christ-Centered Connections • Jesus protects a woman caught in adultery from mob justice (John 8:3-11), echoing God’s concern that accusation alone must not condemn. • At Calvary Jesus drinks the “cup” of judgment (Matthew 26:39). Like the bitter water, it contains the curse for sin, but He drinks it so His bride—the Church—goes free. • 2 Corinthians 11:2: “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy…to present you as a pure virgin to Christ”. Paul uses marital jealousy in a positive sense, linking back to Numbers 5. Holiness Themes Woven Through Scripture • Purity (vv. 1-4) → Personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Confession (vv. 5-7) → Daily cleansing (James 5:16) • Restitution (vv. 7-8) → Practical love (Romans 13:10) • Faithful marriage (vv. 11-31) → Covenant loyalty (Ephesians 5:25-27) Principles for Modern Believers 1. Expose sin quickly—uncleanness spreads when hidden. 2. Make wrongs right—return what you took and a little more. 3. Cherish marriage—root out suspicion through honesty and prayer. 4. Trust God’s justice—He alone sees motives and secret acts. 5. Remember Christ—He went “outside the camp,” paid full restitution, and drank the bitter cup so His people could live inside the Father’s house forever. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This verse reinforces the importance of confession and God's promise of forgiveness. Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. This passage highlights the priority of reconciliation and restitution. Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. This verse calls us to live in peace and holiness, echoing the themes of Numbers 5. Teaching Points Purity in the Camp Numbers 5:1-4 describes the removal of those who are ceremonially unclean from the camp. This underscores the importance of maintaining purity in the community of God's people. Confession and Restitution Verses 5-10 highlight the necessity of confessing sins and making restitution. This process not only restores the individual but also the community's relationship with God. The Test for Adultery Verses 11-31 detail the test for a wife suspected of adultery. This procedure, while culturally specific, reflects the seriousness with which God views marital fidelity and the need for truth and justice. God's Holiness The chapter as a whole emphasizes God's holiness and the call for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives and relationships. Practical Applications Pursue Personal Holiness Just as the Israelites were called to remove impurity, we too should strive to remove sin from our lives, seeking God's help to live holy lives. Practice Confession and Restitution When we wrong others, it's important to confess and make amends, restoring relationships and honoring God. Value Marital Faithfulness Uphold the sanctity of marriage by being faithful and addressing issues of trust and integrity within relationships. Community Accountability Encourage a culture of accountability within your church or community, where members support one another in living according to God's standards. People 1. The Unclean Person This refers to individuals who are ceremonially unclean due to a skin disease, a discharge, or contact with a corpse. They are to be sent outside the camp to prevent defiling it (Numbers 5:2-3). The Hebrew term for unclean, "טָמֵא" (tamei), indicates a state of ritual impurity. 2. The Accused Woman This is a woman suspected of adultery by her husband. The husband brings her to the priest for the ritual of the "water of bitterness" to determine her guilt or innocence (Numbers 5:12-15). The Hebrew word for woman, "אִשָּׁה" (ishah), is used here. 3. The Jealous Husband A man who suspects his wife of infidelity and brings her to the priest for the ordeal of jealousy (Numbers 5:14-15). The Hebrew term for husband, "אִישׁ" (ish), is used in this context. 4. The Priest The priest conducts the ritual involving the accused woman, preparing the water of bitterness and administering the oath (Numbers 5:16-26). The Hebrew word for priest, "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), signifies his role as a mediator between God and the people. 5. The Innocent Woman If the woman is found innocent after the ritual, she is declared free from guilt and able to bear children (Numbers 5:28). The text implies her vindication and restoration to her husband. 6. The Guilty Woman If the woman is guilty, the ritual results in physical afflictions as a divine judgment (Numbers 5:27). The consequences serve as a deterrent against infidelity. Places 1. The Israelite Camp The chapter begins with instructions to "command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, a discharge, or who is ceremonially unclean because of a dead body" (Numbers 5:2). The camp is the central living area for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The Hebrew term for camp, "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh), refers to a temporary settlement or encampment. 2. Outside the Camp Those who are unclean are to be sent "outside the camp" (Numbers 5:3). This area is not specifically defined but is understood to be any place beyond the boundaries of the Israelite encampment. The separation underscores the importance of maintaining ritual purity within the community. 3. The Tabernacle While not explicitly mentioned in Numbers 5, the Tabernacle is the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. The laws given in this chapter are part of maintaining the holiness required for the Tabernacle's proximity. The Hebrew word for Tabernacle, "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan), means "dwelling place." Events 1. Command to Purify the Camp The LORD instructs Moses to command the Israelites to send away anyone who is ceremonially unclean due to a skin disease, a discharge, or contact with a dead body. This is to maintain the purity of the camp where the LORD dwells among them. ^Reference: Numbers 5:1-4^ 2. Restitution for Wrongs The LORD gives instructions regarding making restitution for wrongs committed against others. If a person wrongs another, they must confess the sin, make full restitution, and add a fifth of the value to it, giving it to the wronged party. If the wronged party has no close relative to receive the restitution, it is given to the LORD for the priest. ^Reference: Numbers 5:5-10^ 3. The Test for an Unfaithful Wife The LORD provides a procedure for a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. The husband brings his wife to the priest along with an offering of barley flour. The priest prepares a mixture of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, which the woman must drink. If she is guilty, the water will cause her physical affliction; if she is innocent, she will be unharmed and able to conceive children. ^Reference: Numbers 5:11-31^ In this chapter, the emphasis is on maintaining the holiness and purity of the community, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "qadosh" (קָדוֹשׁ), meaning "holy" or "set apart." The restitution laws underscore the importance of justice and reconciliation, while the test for an unfaithful wife highlights the seriousness of marital fidelity and the role of divine judgment. Lessons from Numbers 5 1. The Importance of Holiness in Community In Numbers 5, God instructs Moses to remove anyone with a defiling disease or discharge from the camp. This underscores the importance of maintaining holiness within the community. As believers, we are called to be set apart, reflecting God's purity in our lives. "Be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44) is a call to live in a way that honors God and uplifts those around us. 2. Accountability and Confession The chapter highlights the necessity of confession and restitution when wrongs are committed. Numbers 5:7 states, "They must confess the sin they have committed." This teaches us the value of owning up to our mistakes and making amends, fostering a culture of honesty and integrity. 3. The Role of Restitution Restitution is not just about saying sorry; it's about making things right. Numbers 5:7 continues, "They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the person they have wronged." This principle encourages us to go above and beyond in our efforts to restore relationships and trust. 4. The Power of God's Presence The camp was to be kept pure because God dwelled among His people. This reminds us of the power and presence of God in our lives today. "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20). We are called to live in a way that honors His presence among us. 5. Faithfulness in Relationships Numbers 5 addresses the issue of marital unfaithfulness, emphasizing the importance of trust and fidelity. In a world where relationships can be fragile, this serves as a reminder to cherish and protect the bonds we have, reflecting the faithfulness of God in our own lives. 6. The Role of the Priest The priest played a crucial role in mediating between God and the people, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership. Today, we are reminded to seek guidance from those who are spiritually mature and to value the wisdom they offer in our walk with God. 7. The Significance of Rituals The rituals described in Numbers 5 may seem foreign to us, but they underscore the importance of intentionality in our worship. Whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or gathering with fellow believers, our spiritual practices should be purposeful and heartfelt. 8. Trusting God's Justice The ordeal of the bitter water in Numbers 5:27-28 shows that God is just and will reveal the truth. "If she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering." This teaches us to trust in God's justice, knowing that He sees all and will bring truth to light. 9. The Call to Purity Purity is a recurring theme in Numbers 5, reminding us of the call to live lives that are pleasing to God. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10) should be our daily prayer as we strive to reflect His holiness. 10. God's Desire for Reconciliation Ultimately, Numbers 5 is about restoring relationships—whether with God or with others. It reflects God's heart for reconciliation and His desire for us to live in harmony. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, bringing His love and grace into every interaction. Topics 1. Purification of the Camp (Numbers 5:1-4) This section addresses the command given by the Lord to Moses to remove anyone with a defiling skin disease, discharge, or who is ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body from the camp. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "tahor" (טָהוֹר) for purity and "tamei" (טָמֵא) for impurity, emphasizing the need for holiness and separation from sin within the community. 2. Restitution for Wrongs (Numbers 5:5-10) Here, the Lord instructs Moses on the process of making restitution for wrongs committed against others. The guilty party must confess their sin and make full restitution, adding a fifth of the value to it. This underscores the importance of justice and reconciliation, rooted in the Hebrew word "asham" (אָשָׁם), meaning guilt or trespass offering. 3. The Test for an Unfaithful Wife (Numbers 5:11-31) This passage details the ritual for a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. The priest administers a test involving holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor. The Hebrew term "sotah" (סוֹטָה) refers to a woman suspected of adultery. This test serves as a divine means to reveal truth and maintain marital fidelity, reflecting the seriousness of the marriage covenant. Each topic in Numbers 5 highlights the importance of maintaining purity, justice, and faithfulness within the community, aligning with the broader biblical themes of holiness and covenant faithfulness. Themes 1. Purity and Holiness of the Camp Numbers 5 begins with instructions to remove anyone who is ceremonially unclean from the camp: "Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, a discharge, or who is unclean from contact with a dead body" (Numbers 5:2). This reflects the theme of maintaining purity and holiness within the community, as the camp is where God dwells among His people. The Hebrew word for "unclean" (טָמֵא, tamei) emphasizes the need for separation from anything that defiles. 2. Restitution and Confession of Sin The chapter continues with laws regarding restitution: "When a man or woman commits any sin against another, that person acts unfaithfully toward the LORD and is guilty" (Numbers 5:6). This theme highlights the importance of confession and making amends, as sin against others is also seen as unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew root for "unfaithfully" (מַעַל, ma'al) suggests a breach of trust or treachery. 3. The Test for an Unfaithful Wife Numbers 5:11-31 details the ritual for a woman suspected of adultery, known as the "test of bitter water." This theme underscores the seriousness of marital fidelity and the need for divine intervention in cases of suspected infidelity. The ritual involves the priest and the use of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the need for God's judgment. 4. Divine Justice and Vindication The test for an unfaithful wife also illustrates the theme of divine justice. If the woman is innocent, she is vindicated: "If the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, she will be unaffected and able to conceive children" (Numbers 5:28). This theme emphasizes that God is the ultimate judge who can reveal truth and ensure justice, protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. 5. The Role of the Priesthood Throughout Numbers 5, the role of the priest is central, whether in declaring someone unclean, overseeing restitution, or conducting the test for adultery. This theme highlights the mediatory role of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual and communal order, acting as intermediaries between God and the people. The Hebrew term for priest (כֹּהֵן, kohen) signifies one who serves and ministers in sacred duties. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that seeks purity and holiness, asking God to reveal and remove any sin in your life. Ask for the courage and humility to confess sins and make restitution where needed, trusting in God's grace and forgiveness. Pray for marriages, that they would be marked by faithfulness, love, and truth. Seek God's guidance in fostering a community that values accountability and supports one another in living out biblical principles. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the “bitter water” of Numbers 5:11–31 scientifically detect infidelity? 2. Why does this ritual seem to assume the woman is guilty until proven innocent (Numbers 5)? 3. How do we reconcile this practice with biblical teachings about justice and mercy elsewhere? 4. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that this trial by ordeal was actually used (Numbers 5)? 5. Does Numbers 5 imply a double standard for men and women regarding marital faithfulness? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the concept of purity in Numbers 5 compare to contemporary societal norms about cleanliness? 2. Reflect on the concept of restitution presented in verses 5-10. How can this be applied in today's context when one wrongs another? 3. Discuss the implications of the "test of bitter water." What does this say about trust and truth within marriage? 4. In what ways does Numbers 5 reflect God's desire for justice within a community? 5. How does the concept of "purity" in this chapter extend beyond the physical to the moral and spiritual realms? 6. What can we learn from the obedience of the Israelites as they followed God’s command to send the unclean out of the camp? 7. How does the principle of restitution emphasize personal responsibility for one’s actions? 8. How might the test of bitter water be considered a merciful provision in a society where a woman could otherwise be severely punished based on suspicion alone? 9. How does this chapter illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy? 10. What does this chapter reveal about God’s attitude toward sin and righteousness? 11. What are some practical ways we can uphold the principles of purity, truth, and restitution in our personal lives and communities? 12. How does the test for suspected infidelity highlight the importance of faithfulness in relationships? 13. How can the principles outlined in this chapter be used to guide conflict resolution in our communities today? 14. What can we learn from the consequences outlined in this chapter about the nature of sin and its effects on the individual and the community? 15. How can the theme of moral and spiritual purity be applied in our daily lives? 16. What lessons about personal and communal responsibility can we draw from this chapter? 17. How can we apply the biblical concept of restitution to modern justice systems? 18. How does God's involvement in the issues of the Israelite community influence your understanding of His involvement in your personal life? 19. In what ways might the test of bitter water inform our understanding of faith and divine justice? 20. How does Numbers 5 challenge your understanding of fairness, trust, and justice in relationships, and how can you apply these lessons in your life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions