What is the meaning of Numbers 5:26?

Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering

• The priest acts as God’s appointed representative, highlighting that the matter is being placed squarely before the Lord (Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 5:1).

• Only “a handful” is taken, showing that even a small portion, when set apart for God, is significant (Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 6:15).

• The woman brings the grain herself (Numbers 5:15), underscoring personal accountability while resting judgment in God’s hands (Psalm 26:1).

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as a memorial portion

• “Memorial” points to remembrance—calling God to witness and to act justly (Leviticus 2:9; Leviticus 24:7).

• This portion reminds everyone present that the Lord knows hidden things (Psalm 44:21) and will reveal truth.

• It also safeguards the innocent: if the woman is falsely accused, the memorial appeals to God’s righteous vindication (Job 31:35–37).

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and burn it on the altar

• Fire on the altar symbolizes God’s holy presence and purifying judgment (Leviticus 1:9; Deuteronomy 4:24).

• By consuming the memorial portion, the Lord “weighs the hearts” (Proverbs 21:2); the outcome will be His verdict, not human suspicion.

• The altar scene teaches that sin, if present, must be dealt with before God, not hidden (Psalm 51:4).

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after that he is to have the woman drink the water

• Only after the offering is accepted does the water test proceed (Numbers 5:18–24), showing divine justice precedes human experience.

• The “water of bitterness that brings a curse” (Numbers 5:18) is not magic but a covenant ceremony; God Himself enforces its results (Galatians 6:7).

• If innocent, the woman is protected and her marriage is restored (Numbers 5:28); if guilty, judgment falls, preserving the holiness of Israel’s families (Deuteronomy 22:22; Proverbs 6:32–33).

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summary

Numbers 5:26 shows a careful, God-centered process: the priest offers a memorial handful, calling the Lord to remember and judge, the offering is burned acknowledging His holiness, and only then does the woman drink the water that will reveal truth. The passage upholds marital fidelity, protects the innocent, and demonstrates that ultimate justice rests with the Lord who sees every hidden motive and deed.