What are the consequences outlined in Numbers 5:21 for breaking marital vows? The setting of Numbers 5:21 In ancient Israel, God provided a public ritual—the “bitter-water test”—to deal with suspected adultery when there was no eyewitness proof. The ceremony safeguarded both husband and wife by placing the case in the Lord’s hands. The verse itself “ ‘May the LORD make you a curse among your people and an oath of warning when He makes your thigh shrivel and your belly swell.’ ” (Numbers 5:21) What “breaking marital vows” triggers, according to the verse • Physical judgment – “belly swell” – “thigh shrivel” (often understood as the womb or reproductive organs) – Together these point to painful abdominal distress, barrenness, and the loss of any child conceived through adultery (v. 22 adds “cause your belly to swell and your womb to miscarry”). • Public disgrace – “make you a curse among your people” – Her name becomes synonymous with unfaithfulness; the community views her condition as God’s verdict. • Binding oath before God – The spoken curse is “an oath of warning.” Once uttered, the outcome rests entirely with the Lord; no human bias can alter it. Why these consequences matter • Marriage is a covenant (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14). Violating it invites covenant curses rather than blessings (Deuteronomy 28:15-20). • Adultery destroys both body and soul (Proverbs 6:32-33: “He who commits adultery lacks judgment… disgrace will not be wiped away”). • God Himself defends the innocent spouse (Hebrews 13:4: “God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers”). Key takeaways for today • God sees the hidden; no sin stays secret (Psalm 44:21). • Marital faithfulness brings blessing; betrayal brings real, tangible loss. • Christ’s atonement offers forgiveness, yet the seriousness of adultery remains (John 8:11—“go and sin no more”). |
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