Numbers 5:13
by 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),
and if another man has relations with her
This phrase addresses the act of adultery, which is a significant violation of the marital covenant. In the Hebrew context, the word for "relations" implies a physical and intimate connection that is meant to be exclusive within marriage. The sanctity of marriage is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing fidelity and the spiritual symbolism of marriage as a reflection of God's covenant with His people.

and this is hidden from her husband
The secrecy of the act underscores the betrayal and the potential for deception within human relationships. In Hebrew culture, the husband was the head of the household, and such an act being hidden from him would disrupt the divine order of family life. This concealment also highlights the human tendency to hide sin, reminiscent of Adam and Eve hiding from God in the Garden of Eden.

and her impurity is undetected
The term "impurity" in this context refers to a state of ceremonial and moral uncleanness. In the Hebrew tradition, impurity was not just a physical state but also a spiritual one, affecting one's relationship with God and the community. The undetected nature of her impurity suggests a temporary evasion of earthly consequences, yet it serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God.

since there was no witness against her
The requirement of witnesses in Hebrew law was crucial for establishing truth and justice. This phrase indicates the absence of human testimony, which complicates the pursuit of justice. It reflects the legal standards of the time, where at least two or three witnesses were needed to confirm a matter, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15.

and she was not caught in the act
This final phrase emphasizes the lack of immediate evidence or discovery. The absence of being "caught" suggests a situation where human justice is limited, pointing to the need for divine intervention. It serves as a reminder of the omniscience of God, who sees all actions and intentions, and the ultimate accountability each person has before Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Unfaithful Wife
The woman in question who is suspected of adultery, which is a serious offense in the Israelite community.

2. The Husband
The man who suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks evidence or witnesses to confirm his suspicions.

3. The Other Man
The individual who is alleged to have had sexual relations with the wife, contributing to the potential sin of adultery.

4. The Israelite Community
The broader context in which these laws are given, emphasizing the importance of purity and faithfulness.

5. The Tabernacle
The place where the ritual of the test for adultery would be conducted, highlighting the sacredness of the process.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Adultery
Adultery is not just a personal sin but a communal concern, affecting the fabric of the community and the sanctity of marriage.

The Importance of Evidence and Justice
The requirement for evidence or witnesses underscores the need for justice and fairness, preventing false accusations and ensuring due process.

The Role of the Tabernacle and Rituals
The involvement of the Tabernacle in resolving such disputes highlights the need for divine guidance and intervention in matters of moral and spiritual significance.

The Call to Personal Integrity
Believers are called to maintain personal integrity and faithfulness in their relationships, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness.

The Need for Mercy and Forgiveness
While the law addresses sin, the New Testament calls believers to balance justice with mercy, following Christ's example of forgiveness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the requirement for evidence in Numbers 5:13 reflect God's justice, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives when dealing with accusations or conflicts?

2. In what ways does the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 challenge us to consider our own attitudes towards sin and forgiveness?

3. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-28 about lust and adultery help us to guard our hearts and minds in today's culture?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our relationships reflect the faithfulness and integrity that God desires, as seen in the context of Numbers 5:13?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in maintaining purity and accountability, drawing from the communal aspects of the Israelite society?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 20:10
This verse outlines the punishment for adultery, providing context for the seriousness of the accusation in Numbers 5:13.

John 8:3-11
The account of the woman caught in adultery, which reflects on the themes of sin, judgment, and mercy.

Proverbs 6:32-33
These verses discuss the consequences of adultery, emphasizing the damage it causes to one's soul and reputation.

Matthew 5:27-28
Jesus expands on the concept of adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts are sinful, which deepens the understanding of purity.
A Fallacious Test of InnocenceScientific IllustrationsNumbers 5:11-31
Innocence Mysteriously DeclaredCaroline's Fox's JournalNumbers 5:11-31
Innocence Strangely DeclaredW. Smith.Numbers 5:11-31
The Trial of JealousyD. Young Numbers 5:11-31
The Trial of the Suspected WifeW. Jones.Numbers 5:11-31
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Act, Although, Carnally, Caught, Close, Concealed, Copulation, Defiled, Herself, Hid, Hidden, Husband, Impurity, Intercourse, Isn't, Keeps, Kept, Lain, Lie, Lies, Lover, Manner, Secret, Secretly, Seed, Taking, Though, Undetected, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 5:11-15

     4404   food
     8467   reminders

Numbers 5:11-28

     4456   grain

Numbers 5:11-31

     5472   proof, evidence
     8830   suspicion

Library
Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Ciii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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