Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite society, the issue of jealousy within marriage, particularly when a husband suspects his wife of infidelity, is addressed in the Mosaic Law. This is detailed in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 5:11-31. The passage outlines a divinely ordained procedure known as the "Law of Jealousy" or the "Ordeal of the Bitter Water," which serves to resolve suspicions of adultery in a manner that seeks divine judgment.Biblical Procedure: According to Numbers 5:11-31, if a husband becomes jealous and suspects his wife of being unfaithful, but there is no witness to the act and she has not been caught in the act, he is to bring his wife to the priest along with an offering of barley flour. This offering is described as a "grain offering of jealousy, a reminder offering to draw attention to iniquity" (Numbers 5:15). The priest then sets the woman before the LORD and prepares a mixture of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor. The woman is required to stand before the LORD, and the priest loosens her hair and places the grain offering in her hands. The priest holds the bitter water that brings a curse and makes the woman take an oath. She is to declare that she has not been unfaithful, and the priest pronounces a curse that will take effect if she is guilty. The curse involves physical afflictions, specifically causing her abdomen to swell and her thigh to waste away (Numbers 5:21-22). The woman is then required to drink the bitter water. If she is guilty, the curse will manifest as described, serving as a divine confirmation of her infidelity. If she is innocent, she will remain unharmed and will be able to conceive children (Numbers 5:27-28). Theological and Social Implications: This law underscores the seriousness with which marital fidelity is regarded in the biblical text. It reflects the importance of purity and trust within the marriage covenant, as well as the need for divine intervention in matters that are beyond human judgment. The ritual serves both as a deterrent against infidelity and as a means of protecting a woman from false accusations, as the outcome is determined by divine judgment rather than human testimony. The procedure also highlights the role of the priesthood in mediating between the people and God, acting as facilitators of divine justice. The use of holy water and the setting within the tabernacle emphasize the sacred nature of the proceedings, reinforcing the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and in the sanctity of marriage. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Law of Jealousy is unique in its reliance on divine judgment rather than human arbitration. While other cultures had similar rituals to address suspicions of infidelity, the biblical procedure is distinct in its theological foundation, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people, and by extension, the covenant of marriage. This law reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the husband holds a position of authority and responsibility within the family unit. However, it also provides a mechanism for protecting the rights and dignity of the wife, ensuring that accusations must be substantiated by divine evidence rather than mere suspicion. Scriptural Reference: · Numbers 5:11-31 : This passage provides the detailed instructions for the Law of Jealousy, outlining the steps to be taken when a husband suspects his wife of infidelity and the role of the priest in administering the ritual. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 5:12-31Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him, Nave's Topical Index Library The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Christ the Believer's Husband Exposition of the Moral Law. Concerning Widows. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ... Essay Resources What does the Bible mean when it refers to emulations? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about consumerism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about brothers and sisters/siblings? | GotQuestions.org Jealousy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jealousy: Ephraimites, of Gideon Jealousy: General Scriptures Concerning Jealousy: Joseph's Brothers, of Joseph Jealousy: Law Concerning, when Husband is Jealous for his Wife Jealousy: Sectional, Between Israel and the Tribe of Judah Jealousy: The Brother of the Prodigal Son Related Terms Jealousy-offering (2 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) |
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