The husband will be free from guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity." The husband will be free from guiltThis phrase underscores the patriarchal context of ancient Israelite society, where the husband held significant authority and responsibility within the family unit. The Hebrew word for "guilt" here is "עָוֹן" (avon), which often refers to iniquity or moral wrongdoing. In this context, the husband is absolved of any wrongdoing in the situation described in the preceding verses, which detail the ritual for a woman suspected of adultery. This reflects the societal norms and legal structures of the time, where the husband's role was both protective and judicial. Theologically, this can be seen as a representation of divine justice, where God ensures that the innocent are not punished for the sins of others. but the woman shall bear her iniquity
The phrase "shall bear her iniquity" uses the Hebrew word "נָשָׂא" (nasa), meaning to carry or bear a burden. This indicates that the woman, if guilty, must face the consequences of her actions. The ritual described earlier in Numbers 5 is a test of fidelity, and if the woman is found guilty, she must bear the moral and social repercussions. This reflects the seriousness with which marital fidelity was regarded in ancient Israel. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a call to personal responsibility and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage. It also highlights the belief in divine justice, where God is the ultimate judge of human actions. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the hope for redemption through God's grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. The HusbandIn the context of Numbers 5, the husband is the one who suspects his wife of infidelity and brings her before the priest for the ritual of the "water of bitterness." 2. The WifeThe woman suspected of adultery, who undergoes the ordeal to determine her guilt or innocence. 3. The PriestThe religious leader who administers the ritual, acting as an intermediary between God and the people. 4. The TabernacleThe sacred place where the ritual takes place, symbolizing God's presence among the Israelites. 5. The Ritual of the Water of BitternessA ceremonial test described in Numbers 5, intended to reveal the truth about the woman's fidelity. Teaching Points Understanding the ContextThe ritual in Numbers 5 reflects the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel, where community purity and marital fidelity were paramount. The Role of the PriestThe priest acts as a mediator, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance in resolving disputes and accusations. The Concept of Guilt and InnocenceThe passage underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for a just process to determine guilt, reminding us of the importance of truth and integrity. God’s Justice and MercyWhile the Old Testament law emphasizes justice, the New Testament reveals God's mercy through Christ, encouraging believers to balance justice with compassion. Personal Reflection and AccountabilityBelievers are called to examine their own lives for sin and seek reconciliation and forgiveness, both with God and others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the ritual described in Numbers 5:31 reflect the values and priorities of ancient Israelite society? 2. In what ways does the role of the priest in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and accountability today? 3. How can we apply the principles of justice and mercy from this passage in our own relationships and communities? 4. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between the Old Testament approach to sin and the New Testament teachings of Jesus? 5. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of Numbers 5 help us interpret its message for contemporary Christian living? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 20:10This verse outlines the punishment for adultery, providing context for the seriousness of the accusation in Numbers 5. John 8:3-11The account of the woman caught in adultery, where Jesus emphasizes mercy and forgiveness, offering a New Testament perspective on dealing with sin. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20Paul’s teaching on sexual immorality, highlighting the importance of purity and the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Acquitted, Bear, Clear, Consequences, Free, Guilt, Guiltless, Iniquity, Innocent, Moreover, Sin, Woman's, Wrong, WrongdoingDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 5:11-31 5472 proof, evidence
8830 suspicion Numbers 5:29-31 8278 innocence, teaching on 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 5:31 NIVNumbers 5:31 NLTNumbers 5:31 ESVNumbers 5:31 NASBNumbers 5:31 KJV
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