or when a feeling of jealousy comes over a husband and he suspects his wife. He is to have the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest is to apply to her this entire law. or when a feeling of jealousy comes over a husbandIn ancient Israel, marriage was a covenant relationship with significant social and religious implications. Jealousy in this context refers to a husband's suspicion of his wife's infidelity, which could disrupt the family unit and community harmony. The feeling of jealousy is acknowledged as a natural human emotion, but it is also seen as a potential threat to marital fidelity and social order. This provision in the law reflects the importance of maintaining trust and purity within the marriage covenant, which is a reflection of God's covenant with His people. and he suspects his wife.
The suspicion of infidelity was a serious matter in the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel. Adultery was not only a personal betrayal but also a violation of the covenant community's standards. The suspicion needed to be addressed to prevent false accusations and ensure justice. This reflects the broader biblical theme of truth and justice, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 19:15-21, which emphasizes the need for evidence and fair treatment in legal matters. He is to have the woman stand before the LORD,
Standing before the LORD indicates bringing the matter into the divine presence, acknowledging that God is the ultimate judge of truth and righteousness. This act underscores the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and that His presence is central to resolving disputes. The tabernacle, where this would take place, was the physical representation of God's dwelling among His people, emphasizing the seriousness and sacredness of the proceedings. and the priest is to apply to her this entire law.
The priest acted as an intermediary between God and the people, administering the law and ensuring that the process was conducted according to divine instructions. This reflects the role of the priesthood in maintaining the holiness and order of the community. The "entire law" refers to the specific ritual outlined in Numbers 5:11-31, which was designed to reveal the truth of the situation. This ritual underscores the importance of divine justice and the need for a process that both protects the innocent and convicts the guilty. The involvement of the priest also points to the need for spiritual discernment and guidance in resolving complex personal and communal issues. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Jealous HusbandA man who experiences a feeling of jealousy and suspects his wife of infidelity. 2. The Suspected WifeThe woman who is suspected of being unfaithful by her husband. 3. The PriestThe religious leader responsible for carrying out the ritual prescribed in the law. 4. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, before whom the ritual is performed. 5. The Ritual of JealousyA specific ceremony outlined in the Mosaic Law to address suspicions of marital unfaithfulness. Teaching Points The Seriousness of JealousyJealousy is a powerful emotion that can lead to destructive behavior. It is important to address feelings of jealousy with wisdom and discernment. The Role of the PriestIn the Old Testament, the priest acted as a mediator between God and the people. Today, we have Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. Seeking God's JusticeThe ritual was a way to seek divine justice and truth. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance and justice in resolving conflicts and suspicions. The Importance of Trust in MarriageTrust is foundational in marriage. Couples should strive to build and maintain trust, addressing issues openly and honestly. God's Holiness and StandardsThe ritual underscores God's holiness and the high standards He sets for His people. We are called to live lives that reflect His holiness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the ritual in Numbers 5:30 reflect the seriousness with which God views marriage and fidelity? 2. In what ways can jealousy impact relationships today, and how can we address it biblically? 3. How does the role of the priest in this passage point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest? 4. What steps can couples take to build and maintain trust in their marriage, according to biblical principles? 5. How can we seek God's justice and guidance in resolving conflicts or suspicions in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 20:10This verse discusses the consequences of adultery, providing context for the seriousness of the accusation in Numbers 5:30. Proverbs 6:34-35These verses describe the destructive nature of jealousy, which can lead to irrational actions and severe consequences. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7This passage contrasts the destructive nature of jealousy with the characteristics of love, which is patient and kind. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Apply, Bitter, Caused, Doubts, Entire, Execute, Force, Heart, Husband, Jealous, Jealousy, Law, Passeth, Priest, Regards, Spirit, Stand, Suspects, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 5:11-31 5472 proof, evidence
8830 suspicion Numbers 5:27-30 7348 defilement Numbers 5:29-31 8278 innocence, teaching on 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 5:30 NIVNumbers 5:30 NLTNumbers 5:30 ESVNumbers 5:30 NASBNumbers 5:30 KJV
Numbers 5:30 Commentaries
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