Numbers 5:22

May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.' Then the woman is to say, 'Amen, Amen.'

Study Bible

May this water that brings a curse
This phrase refers to the ritual of the "bitter water" described in Numbers 5, which was part of the test for a woman accused of adultery. The water was mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor, symbolizing the holiness and judgment of God. The concept of a curse in the Bible often signifies divine judgment or punishment for sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 28. This ritual underscores the seriousness of marital fidelity and the sanctity of marriage in Israelite society.

enter your stomach
The act of drinking the water signifies internalization of the judgment. In biblical symbolism, the stomach or belly often represents the innermost being or the seat of emotions and desires. This reflects the idea that sin affects the whole person, not just outward actions. The internalization of the curse highlights the personal nature of sin and its consequences.

and cause your belly to swell
The swelling of the belly is a physical manifestation of the curse, serving as a visible sign of guilt. In the ancient Near East, physical symptoms were often seen as direct results of spiritual or moral failings. This reflects the biblical principle that sin has tangible consequences, as seen in the curses of Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

and your thigh to shrivel
The shriveling of the thigh is another physical sign of the curse, possibly indicating infertility or a loss of strength. In biblical times, fertility was highly valued, and barrenness was often seen as a curse or divine disfavor, as in the stories of Sarah and Hannah. This aspect of the curse underscores the social and personal ramifications of sin.

Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’
The repetition of "Amen" signifies agreement and acceptance of the terms of the test. "Amen" is a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," used throughout the Bible to express assent to God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. This response indicates the woman's submission to the divine judgment and her acknowledgment of God's authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman
In this passage, the woman is the subject of the test for marital unfaithfulness. She is brought before the priest to undergo a ritual that determines her guilt or innocence.

2. The Priest
The priest acts as the mediator in this ritual, administering the oath and the bitter water that brings a curse if the woman is guilty.

3. The Bitter Water
This is a concoction used in the ritual to test the woman's faithfulness. It symbolizes divine judgment and is believed to cause physical manifestations if the woman is guilty.

4. The Tabernacle
The setting for this event, where the presence of God dwells among the Israelites, and where the priest performs the ritual.

5. The Husband
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the husband is the one who brings the accusation of unfaithfulness, prompting the ritual.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Marital Fidelity
The ritual underscores the importance of faithfulness in marriage, reflecting God's covenant relationship with His people.

The Role of Divine Judgment
The ritual serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate judge of human hearts and actions, and His justice is perfect.

The Power of Confession and Agreement
The woman's response, "Amen, Amen," signifies agreement with God's judgment, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's authority in our lives.

The Importance of Community and Mediation
The involvement of the priest and the community in resolving accusations points to the need for accountability and mediation in maintaining relationships.

The Call to Mercy and Repentance
While the ritual is about judgment, it also points to the need for mercy and the opportunity for repentance, as seen in the broader biblical account.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the ritual in Numbers 5:22 reflect the seriousness with which God views marital fidelity, and how can this inform our own views on marriage today?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in this passage illustrate the need for mediation and accountability in resolving conflicts within the community?

3. How can we apply the principle of divine judgment in our own lives, ensuring that we seek God's discernment in our actions and decisions?

4. Reflect on the significance of the woman's response, "Amen, Amen." How does this demonstrate the importance of acknowledging God's authority and judgment in our lives?

5. Considering the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8, how can we balance the need for justice with the call to show mercy and offer opportunities for repentance in our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 20:10
This verse outlines the punishment for adultery, providing context for why such a test might be necessary in a society that takes marital fidelity seriously.

John 8:3-11
The account of the woman caught in adultery shows Jesus' approach to accusations of unfaithfulness, emphasizing mercy and repentance over ritualistic condemnation.

Psalm 7:9
This verse speaks to God testing the hearts and minds, which relates to the idea of divine judgment and discernment in the ritual described in Numbers 5.