Topical Bible: Wave-Offering: Consisted of The Jealousy offering

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the wave offering is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. The wave offering, a specific type of offering, was a ritual act where portions of a sacrifice were waved before the LORD as a symbolic gesture of presentation and consecration. This act signified the offering being dedicated to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

Biblical Context and Description

The wave offering is mentioned in various contexts within the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It was often associated with peace offerings, grain offerings, and the consecration of priests. The Hebrew term for wave offering, "tenufah," implies a motion of lifting or waving, symbolizing the offering being elevated to God.

One specific instance of the wave offering is found in the ritual of the jealousy offering, described in Numbers 5:11-31. This unique offering was part of a ceremonial procedure designed to address suspicions of marital unfaithfulness. The jealousy offering involved a grain offering without oil or frankincense, symbolizing a lack of joy and fragrance due to the gravity of the situation.

The Jealousy Offering

The jealousy offering was a distinctive ritual that served as a divine test for a wife accused of infidelity. The process began with the husband bringing his wife to the priest, along with an offering of barley flour. Numbers 5:15 states, "Then he is to bring his wife to the priest and bring as an offering for her a tenth of an ephah of barley flour. He is not to pour oil or place frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder offering to draw attention to iniquity."

The priest would then prepare a mixture of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, which the woman was required to drink. The grain offering was waved before the LORD as part of this ritual, signifying the presentation of the case to God for judgment. Numbers 5:25 describes this act: "The priest is to take the grain offering for jealousy from the woman, present the offering before the LORD, and bring it to the altar."

Symbolism and Significance

The wave offering, in the context of the jealousy offering, held profound symbolic meaning. It represented the submission of the matter to divine judgment, acknowledging God's omniscience and justice. The act of waving the offering before the LORD was a plea for His intervention and discernment in resolving the issue of suspected infidelity.

The absence of oil and frankincense in the jealousy offering underscored the somber nature of the ritual. Unlike other offerings that celebrated fellowship and thanksgiving, this offering was a solemn reminder of sin and the need for divine adjudication.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the wave offering, particularly in the context of the jealousy offering, highlights the holiness and righteousness of God. It underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the seriousness with which God views the covenant of marriage. The ritual served as a deterrent against infidelity and a means of maintaining the sanctity of the marital relationship within the community of Israel.

Furthermore, the wave offering in this context illustrates the broader principle of bringing disputes and uncertainties before God, trusting in His wisdom and justice to bring about resolution. It reflects the belief in God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His desire for purity and faithfulness among them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 5:25
Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it on the altar:
Torrey's Topical Textbook