What is the meaning of Numbers 5:19? And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her • The priest’s first act is to administer an oath, underscoring that this is not a private marital squabble but a matter brought before the LORD (Numbers 5:16). • Swearing before God signals absolute seriousness; an oath invokes divine witness and judgment (Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 5:33–37). • Because God’s eyes “roam to and fro over all the earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9), He alone can verify hidden things. The rite therefore places the entire question of guilt or innocence in His hands. ‘If no other man has slept with you • The central issue is sexual purity inside marriage. The commandment “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) is in view. • Scripture consistently treats marital intimacy as exclusive (Proverbs 5:15–18; 1 Corinthians 7:2–4). • By highlighting “no other man,” the priest calls on the woman to affirm covenant faithfulness comparable to God’s unfailing faithfulness toward His people (Hosea 2:19–20). and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, • “Gone astray” pictures wandering from a set path (Deuteronomy 32:5). In marriage, that path is one-flesh loyalty (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:22–33). • “Defiled” stresses moral and ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 18:20). Adultery contaminates not only individuals but the covenant community (Joshua 7:1, 11-13). • The phrase “under your husband’s authority” reminds Israel that marriage is a divinely ordered structure, echoing Genesis 3:16 and 1 Peter 3:1. Faithfulness within that structure protects both spouses and honors God. may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse. • If innocent, the woman will drink the mixture with no ill effect; God Himself guarantees her vindication (Psalm 26:2; Proverbs 17:3). • Conversely, guilt invites a supernatural curse (Numbers 5:27). The ordeal removes human guesswork, letting God “bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5). • Far from demeaning women, the rite protects them from false accusation by providing a divine verdict when human evidence is lacking (Deuteronomy 19:15; Isaiah 54:17). • The “bitter water” points forward to Christ, who drank the ultimate cup of judgment on our behalf (Matthew 26:39; Galatians 3:13), satisfying God’s justice so believers can stand acquitted. summary Numbers 5:19 shows a priest placing a suspected wife under oath, affirming her innocence if she has remained sexually faithful. The passage teaches that God Himself judges hidden sin, safeguards marital purity, and vindicates the blameless. It underscores covenant seriousness, the sanctity of marriage, and the Lord’s perfect justice—truths still vital for every believer today. |
    |