by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act), by sleeping with another manThis phrase addresses the act of adultery, which is a violation of the seventh commandment ( Exodus 20:14). In the ancient Israelite context, adultery was considered a serious offense against the marriage covenant, which was a reflection of God's covenant with His people. The act of adultery not only broke the trust between husband and wife but also disrupted the social and religious order. The law given in Numbers 5 is part of a broader legal and moral framework designed to maintain purity and holiness among the Israelites. and it is concealed from her husband
The concealment of the act suggests deceit and a breach of trust within the marriage. In biblical times, the family unit was central to societal stability, and any threat to its integrity was taken seriously. The concealment also implies a lack of repentance and acknowledgment of wrongdoing, which is significant in a culture that valued confession and restitution (Leviticus 5:5). and her impurity is undetected
The term "impurity" here refers to the state of being ceremonially unclean, which had both physical and spiritual implications. In the Old Testament, impurity often required ritual purification to restore one's standing within the community and before God (Leviticus 15). The undetected impurity suggests a hidden sin, which is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that God sees all, even what is hidden from human eyes (Psalm 139:1-4). (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act)
The absence of witnesses or evidence highlights the difficulty in proving such cases, which is why the law in Numbers 5 provides a specific ritual to determine guilt or innocence. This reflects the legal principle found in Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires two or three witnesses to establish a matter. The lack of witnesses underscores the importance of divine intervention in revealing truth, as seen in the ritual of the bitter water test that follows in the passage. This also points to the ultimate judgment of God, who knows the hearts and actions of all individuals (Hebrews 4:13). Persons / Places / Events 1. The Unfaithful WifeThe woman in question who is suspected of adultery, which is a serious offense in the Israelite community. 2. The HusbandThe man who suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks evidence or witnesses to confirm his suspicions. 3. The Other ManThe individual who is alleged to have had sexual relations with the wife, contributing to the potential sin of adultery. 4. The Israelite CommunityThe broader context in which these laws are given, emphasizing the importance of purity and faithfulness. 5. The TabernacleThe place where the ritual of the test for adultery would be conducted, highlighting the sacredness of the process. Teaching Points The Seriousness of AdulteryAdultery is not just a personal sin but a communal concern, affecting the fabric of the community and the sanctity of marriage. The Importance of Evidence and JusticeThe requirement for evidence or witnesses underscores the need for justice and fairness, preventing false accusations and ensuring due process. The Role of the Tabernacle and RitualsThe involvement of the Tabernacle in resolving such disputes highlights the need for divine guidance and intervention in matters of moral and spiritual significance. The Call to Personal IntegrityBelievers are called to maintain personal integrity and faithfulness in their relationships, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness. The Need for Mercy and ForgivenessWhile the law addresses sin, the New Testament calls believers to balance justice with mercy, following Christ's example of forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the requirement for evidence in Numbers 5:13 reflect God's justice, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives when dealing with accusations or conflicts? 2. In what ways does the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 challenge us to consider our own attitudes towards sin and forgiveness? 3. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-28 about lust and adultery help us to guard our hearts and minds in today's culture? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our relationships reflect the faithfulness and integrity that God desires, as seen in the context of Numbers 5:13? 5. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in maintaining purity and accountability, drawing from the communal aspects of the Israelite society? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 20:10This verse outlines the punishment for adultery, providing context for the seriousness of the accusation in Numbers 5:13. John 8:3-11The account of the woman caught in adultery, which reflects on the themes of sin, judgment, and mercy. Proverbs 6:32-33These verses discuss the consequences of adultery, emphasizing the damage it causes to one's soul and reputation. Matthew 5:27-28Jesus expands on the concept of adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts are sinful, which deepens the understanding of purity. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Act, Although, Carnally, Caught, Close, Concealed, Copulation, Defiled, Herself, Hid, Hidden, Husband, Impurity, Intercourse, Isn't, Keeps, Kept, Lain, Lie, Lies, Lover, Manner, Secret, Secretly, Seed, Taking, Though, Undetected, WitnessDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 5:11-15 4404 food
8467 reminders Numbers 5:11-28 4456 grain Numbers 5:11-31 5472 proof, evidence
8830 suspicion Library Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of PietyCiii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 5:13 NIVNumbers 5:13 NLTNumbers 5:13 ESVNumbers 5:13 NASBNumbers 5:13 KJV
Numbers 5:13 Commentaries
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