Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,
Numbers 5:12 stands within the laws concerning jealousy in Numbers 5 and 6. It introduces the case arising when a husband suspects his wife of unfaithfulness without direct evidence. That suspicion sets in motion the procedure that follows for trial and decision.
The suspected wife is brought to the priest with a tenth part of an ephah of barley meal with no oil or frankincense. It is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial bringing iniquity to remembrance. It does not expiate sin but discovers sin.
The priest administers bitter water that leaves the innocent unharmed. Upon the guilty it brings a condition leading to speedy and dreadful death. By this ordeal guilt is exposed and innocence is vindicated.
God uses this procedure to rid Israel of even the suspicion of impurity and to rigidly enforce social purity. Proved willful adultery brings death, so the law guards marriage by decisive judgment. The chapter thus shows that sin is abhorrent to God. Read rightly, it warns against sin so as to lead people to shun its destructive course and fearful end.
As a type the passage teaches that sin is not confined to the overt act. Open transgression is the fruit of an inward condition of heart and character. That inward condition must be confessed to be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. This is fulfilled in Christ as the bread of God come down from heaven to give life, so that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood have eternal life and cleansing.
Numbers 5:12 stands within the laws concerning jealousy in Numbers 5 and 6. It introduces the case arising when a husband suspects his wife of unfaithfulness without direct evidence. That suspicion sets in motion the procedure that follows for trial and decision.
The suspected wife is brought to the priest with a tenth part of an ephah of barley meal with no oil or frankincense. It is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial bringing iniquity to remembrance. It does not expiate sin but discovers sin.
The priest administers bitter water that leaves the innocent unharmed. Upon the guilty it brings a condition leading to speedy and dreadful death. By this ordeal guilt is exposed and innocence is vindicated.
God uses this procedure to rid Israel of even the suspicion of impurity and to rigidly enforce social purity. Proved willful adultery brings death, so the law guards marriage by decisive judgment. The chapter thus shows that sin is abhorrent to God. Read rightly, it warns against sin so as to lead people to shun its destructive course and fearful end.
As a type the passage teaches that sin is not confined to the overt act. Open transgression is the fruit of an inward condition of heart and character. That inward condition must be confessed to be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. This is fulfilled in Christ as the bread of God come down from heaven to give life, so that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood have eternal life and cleansing.