Meat-Offerings of Jealousy, Without Oil or Incense
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Topical Encyclopedia
The Meat-Offerings of Jealousy, also known as the jealousy offering, is a unique sacrificial ritual described in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This offering is part of the ceremonial law given to the Israelites and is detailed in Numbers 5:11-31. It is a distinctive offering because it is associated with the ordeal of jealousy, a procedure designed to address suspicions of marital infidelity.

Biblical Context

The jealousy offering is part of the broader Mosaic Law, which governed the religious and social life of the Israelites. The specific instructions for this offering are found in Numbers 5:15: "Then he is to bring his wife to the priest, and he must also bring an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour on her behalf. He is not to pour oil over it or put frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder offering to draw attention to iniquity" .

Purpose and Procedure

The primary purpose of the jealousy offering was to resolve cases where a husband suspected his wife of adultery but lacked evidence. The ritual served as a divine test to determine the truth of the matter. The husband would bring his wife to the priest along with the specified offering of barley flour. Notably, this offering was to be made without oil or incense, which were typically used in other grain offerings to symbolize joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The absence of these elements underscores the somber and serious nature of the ritual.

The priest would then perform a series of actions, including mixing holy water with dust from the tabernacle floor and having the woman drink the mixture. If she was guilty, the water would bring a curse upon her, causing physical afflictions. If she was innocent, she would be unharmed and able to conceive children.

Symbolism and Significance

The jealousy offering is rich in symbolism. The use of barley flour, a more common and less costly grain than wheat, may signify the humility and penitence required in such a serious matter. The absence of oil and incense highlights the gravity of the situation, as these elements were typically associated with offerings of thanksgiving and worship.

This ritual underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant in Israelite society. It also reflects the belief in God's direct involvement in the lives of His people, serving as the ultimate judge of truth and righteousness.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the jealousy offering illustrates the seriousness with which God views the marriage relationship. It also demonstrates His provision for justice and truth within the community. The ritual served as a deterrent against infidelity and false accusations, promoting trust and integrity within the family unit.

Furthermore, the jealousy offering can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment and discernment of Christ, who knows the hearts of all people. It reminds believers of the need for purity and faithfulness in their relationships, both with God and with one another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 5:15
Then shall the man bring his wife to the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... draw upon them the antagonism and jealousy of the ... each other for a long time without
intermingling; they ... extracting from the caldron the meat offerings of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Resources
What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What sort of pagan revelry did the Israelites indulge in (Exodus 32:6)? | GotQuestions.org

What is an oblation? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Meat-offerings

Meat-Offerings of Jealousy, Without Oil or Incense

Meat-Offerings were Most Holy

Meat-Offerings: A Small Part of, Was Consumed on the Altar for a Memorial

Meat-Offerings: Always Seasoned With Salt

Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Barley Meal

Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Fine Flour

Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Fine Flour Baked in a Frying Pan

Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Fine Flour Baked in a Pan

Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Green Ears of Corn Parched

Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Unleavened Cakes Baked in the Oven

Meat-Offerings: High Priest's Deputy had Care of

Meat-Offerings: Laid up in a Chamber of the Temple

Meat-Offerings: Materials for Public, often Provided by the Princes

Meat-Offerings: No Leaven Used With

Meat-Offerings: Not to be offered on Altar of Incense

Meat-Offerings: Offered by the High Priest Every Day, Half in the Morning and Half

Meat-Offerings: Offered by the Poor for a Trespass offering

Meat-Offerings: Offered with all Burnt offerings

Meat-Offerings: Offered with the Daily Sacrifices

Meat-Offerings: Offered: On the Altar of Burnt offering

Meat-Offerings: Oil and Incense Used With

Meat-Offerings: The Jews: Condemned for offering, to Idols

Meat-Offerings: The Jews: Often not Accepted In

Meat-Offerings: The Jews: Often Prevented from offering, by Judgments

Meat-Offerings: The Priest's Portion

Meat-Offerings: To be Eaten by the Males of the House of Aaron Alone

Meat-Offerings: To be Eaten in the Holy Place

Meat-Offerings: when offered for a Priest Entirely Consumed by Fire

Related Terms

Brazen (42 Occurrences)

Meats (9 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Meat-offering (111 Occurrences)

Gift (148 Occurrences)

Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences)

Free-will (9 Occurrences)

Drinkoffering

Drink-offering (33 Occurrences)

Basket (40 Occurrences)

Aforetime (19 Occurrences)

Speedily (38 Occurrences)

Salt (45 Occurrences)

Kindle (25 Occurrences)

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)

Leviticus (1 Occurrence)

Bullocks (50 Occurrences)

Forbid (46 Occurrences)

Hallow (69 Occurrences)

Sacrifices (186 Occurrences)

Corn (107 Occurrences)

Reconciliation (11 Occurrences)

Hallowed (86 Occurrences)

Plain (113 Occurrences)

Meat-offerings
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