and 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-- and if a feeling of jealousy comes over her husbandIn the ancient Near Eastern context, jealousy within marriage was a significant issue, often linked to concerns about lineage and inheritance. The Hebrew term for jealousy here can also imply a sense of protective zeal. This reflects the cultural importance of marital fidelity and the husband's role as protector of the family unit. Jealousy in this context is not merely an emotional response but a legal and social concern that could affect the entire community. and he suspects his wife who has defiled herself
The suspicion of defilement indicates a breach of the marital covenant, which was considered a serious offense in Israelite society. Adultery was not only a personal betrayal but also a violation of God's commandments, specifically the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). The term "defiled" suggests ritual impurity, which had implications for both religious and social standing. This suspicion required a formal process to address the potential sin, reflecting the community's commitment to holiness. or if a feeling of jealousy comes over him
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the seriousness of the husband's feelings and the potential for misunderstanding or false accusations. It acknowledges human emotions and the complexities of marital relationships. This provision in the law serves to protect both parties by providing a structured means of resolving such suspicions, highlighting the importance of justice and truth in the community. and he suspects her even though she has not defiled herself
This clause introduces the possibility of false suspicion, recognizing that jealousy can arise without cause. It underscores the need for discernment and fairness in dealing with accusations. The law provided a ritual (Numbers 5:15-31) to determine the truth, ensuring that the innocent were protected and the guilty were held accountable. This reflects God's justice and mercy, as well as the value placed on truth and integrity in relationships. The process also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and discernment of Christ, who knows the hearts of all people (John 2:24-25). Persons / Places / Events 1. The HusbandThe man who experiences a "spirit of jealousy" regarding his wife. This reflects a deep concern or suspicion about his wife's faithfulness. 2. The WifeThe woman who is suspected of infidelity. The passage addresses both scenarios where she may or may not have been unfaithful. 3. The Spirit of JealousyThis is a significant emotional and spiritual state that overtakes the husband, prompting him to suspect his wife of infidelity. 4. The TabernacleWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Numbers 5 involves the Tabernacle as the place where the ritual of the jealousy offering is performed. 5. The PriestThe religious leader who would conduct the ritual to determine the truth of the situation, as outlined in the surrounding verses. Teaching Points Understanding JealousyRecognize that jealousy can be a destructive force in relationships. It is important to address feelings of jealousy with prayer, communication, and trust in God. Seeking Truth and ReconciliationThe ritual described in Numbers 5 was a means to seek truth and restore relationships. In our lives, we should seek truth and reconciliation through honest communication and forgiveness. The Role of FaithTrust in God’s justice and wisdom is crucial when dealing with suspicions and doubts. Faith can guide us through uncertainty and help us find peace. Guarding Against False AccusationsBe cautious not to let unfounded suspicions lead to false accusations. This requires discernment and reliance on God’s guidance. The Importance of Community and LeadershipInvolving spiritual leaders or trusted community members can provide guidance and support in resolving conflicts and suspicions. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify and address a "spirit of jealousy" in our own lives before it causes harm to our relationships? 2. In what ways can the principles of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 help us combat jealousy in our relationships? 3. How can we apply the process of seeking truth and reconciliation from Numbers 5 in our modern-day conflicts? 4. What role does faith play in overcoming doubts and suspicions in our relationships, and how can we strengthen our faith in these situations? 5. How can involving spiritual leaders or community members help us navigate through personal conflicts and suspicions? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 6:34This verse speaks about jealousy as a powerful and consuming emotion, similar to the "spirit of jealousy" mentioned in Numbers 5:14. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7These verses describe love as not being jealous, providing a contrast to the destructive nature of jealousy seen in Numbers 5:14. James 3:14-16This passage warns against bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, which can lead to disorder and evil practices, paralleling the potential chaos in a marriage due to jealousy. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Cause, Defiled, Doubt, Doubts, Feelings, Heart, Herself, Husband, Husband's, Impure, Isn't, Jealous, Jealousy, Passed, Spirit, Suspects, Though, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 5:14 5064 spirit, emotional 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 PietyCiii. 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 Links Numbers 5:14 NIVNumbers 5:14 NLTNumbers 5:14 ESVNumbers 5:14 NASBNumbers 5:14 KJV
Numbers 5:14 Commentaries
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