He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering. He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curseThis phrase refers to the ritual described in Numbers 5, known as the "ordeal of jealousy." In ancient Israel, this was a test for a woman suspected of adultery. The priest would prepare a mixture of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, which the woman would drink. The "bitter water" symbolizes the potential consequences of sin and the seriousness with which God views marital fidelity. The concept of a curse in the Old Testament often involves divine judgment or consequences for disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28. This ritual underscores the importance of purity and faithfulness in marriage, reflecting God's covenant relationship with Israel. and it will enter her
The act of drinking the water signifies the internalization of the test. In biblical terms, what enters a person often symbolizes spiritual or moral influence, as seen in Jesus' teachings in Matthew 15:11 about what defiles a person. The physical act of drinking represents the spiritual reality of God's judgment entering the woman's life. This phrase highlights the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, discerning truth and administering justice. and may cause her bitter suffering
The potential for "bitter suffering" serves as a deterrent against infidelity and a reminder of the consequences of sin. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, communal and familial harmony was paramount, and this ritual aimed to protect these values. The suffering mentioned here is both physical and social, as a guilty verdict would lead to shame and ostracism. This phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of sin leading to suffering, as seen in Genesis 3 with the fall of humanity. The ordeal can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He takes upon Himself the curse and suffering due to sin, offering believers forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestIn Numbers 5:24, the priest plays a central role in administering the ritual of the bitter water. He acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the law is upheld. 2. The WomanThe woman in this passage is suspected of adultery. She undergoes a ritual to determine her guilt or innocence, highlighting the seriousness of marital fidelity in Israelite society. 3. The Bitter WaterThis is a concoction used in the ritual to test the woman's faithfulness. It symbolizes the potential curse that could come upon her if she is guilty. 4. The TabernacleThe setting for this event is the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacred rituals and judgments are carried out. 5. The CurseThe curse is a divine judgment that would manifest physically if the woman is guilty, serving as a deterrent against infidelity. Teaching Points The Role of the PriestThe priest acts as a mediator, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability in the community. The Seriousness of Marital FidelityThis passage underscores the value God places on faithfulness in marriage, encouraging believers to uphold their marital vows. Divine Justice and MercyWhile the ritual seems harsh, it reflects God's justice. However, it also points to the need for mercy and grace, as seen in the New Testament. The Power of SymbolsThe bitter water serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of sin, reminding believers of the spiritual realities behind physical actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the priest in Numbers 5:24 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today? 2. In what ways does the ritual of the bitter water reflect the seriousness with which God views marital fidelity? 3. How can we reconcile the justice seen in Numbers 5:24 with the mercy shown by Jesus in John 8:3-11? 4. What are some modern-day "bitter waters" that serve as reminders of the consequences of sin in our lives? 5. How can the principles found in Numbers 5:24 guide us in maintaining integrity and faithfulness in our relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 20:10This passage outlines the punishment for adultery, providing context for the seriousness of the accusation in Numbers 5:24. John 8:3-11The account of the woman caught in adultery in the New Testament offers a perspective on mercy and forgiveness, contrasting with the Old Testament law. Proverbs 5:3-4These verses warn against the allure of adultery, describing its consequences as bitter, similar to the bitter water in Numbers 5:24. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Bitter, Bitterness, Bringeth, Brings, Cause, Caused, Causes, Causeth, Causing, Curse, Drink, Enter, Entered, Pain, Suffering, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes 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 5:24 NIVNumbers 5:24 NLTNumbers 5:24 ESVNumbers 5:24 NASBNumbers 5:24 KJV
Numbers 5:24 Commentaries
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