Compare Numbers 5:12 with Matthew 5:28 on thoughts and actions in marriage. Setting the Scene Marriage is God’s covenant gift, safeguarded by both external faithfulness and internal purity. Two passages—one from Moses, one from Jesus—show how God’s standard reaches from deeds to thoughts. Old Covenant Spotlight: Numbers 5:12 “Speak to the Israelites and say: ‘If a man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful…’” • The Law addresses actual, physical adultery. • A public investigation (the “jealousy ritual,” vv. 15-31) protected marriage and community holiness. • Sin was treated as objective and observable; evidence mattered. • The passage underlines covenant seriousness: unfaithfulness defiles the marriage and the camp (Leviticus 18:20). Kingdom Heart Standard: Matthew 5:28 “…anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery in his heart.” • Jesus moves the line from the act to the intent. • Lustful looking = covenant breach before any physical contact. • The heart, invisible to others, is fully visible to God (1 Samuel 16:7). • Internal sin deserves the same judgment as external sin because both rebel against God’s design. Threading the Two Together • Continuity: Both passages condemn adultery; Exodus 20:14 still stands. • Progression: Numbers polices actions; Jesus polices motives. • Unity of Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:5—“love the LORD…with all your heart”—is fulfilled when thoughts align with deeds. • Holiness is not merely avoiding scandal; it is cultivating purity within (Proverbs 4:23). Practical Takeaways for Couples Today • Guard eyes and imagination; media choices can invite covert infidelity (Job 31:1). • Nourish the marriage bed: exclusivity in body and mind honors God (Hebrews 13:4). • Confess stray thoughts quickly; bring them “captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Pursue intimacy—spiritual, emotional, physical—so that temptation loses allure (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). • Celebrate transparency: mutual trust grows when spouses share struggles and pray together. External fidelity fulfills the letter; internal purity fulfills the spirit. God desires hearts and hands working together to honor the covenant of marriage. |
    |