Topical Encyclopedia The "Water of Bitterness," also known as the "Water of Jealousy," is a ritualistic element described in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This ceremonial practice is outlined in Numbers 5:11-31 and is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. It addresses the issue of marital fidelity and is a test for a wife accused of adultery when there is no witness to confirm the accusation.Biblical Context: The procedure is initiated when a husband suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks evidence or witnesses to substantiate his claim. In such cases, the husband brings his wife to the priest, along with an offering of barley flour. The offering is described as a "grain offering of jealousy, a reminder offering to draw attention to wrongdoing" (Numbers 5:15). The Ritual: The priest then prepares the "Water of Bitterness" by mixing holy water with dust from the tabernacle floor. The woman is made 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. He then makes the woman swear an oath, saying that if she has not been unfaithful, the water will not harm her. However, if she is guilty, the water will bring a curse, causing her abdomen to swell and her thigh to waste away (Numbers 5:21-22). The priest writes these curses on a scroll and washes them off into the bitter water. The woman drinks the water, and the outcome serves as a divine judgment. If she is innocent, she will be unharmed and able to conceive children. If guilty, the physical afflictions will manifest as a sign of her unfaithfulness (Numbers 5:27-28). Theological Significance: The Water of Bitterness serves as a divine mechanism for resolving accusations of adultery, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of marital fidelity. It underscores the belief that God is the ultimate judge and arbiter of truth, capable of revealing hidden sins. This ritual reflects the broader biblical theme of purity and holiness within the covenant community of Israel. Cultural and Historical Considerations: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Water of Bitterness is unique to Israelite law. While other cultures had various ordeals to determine guilt, this ritual is distinct in its reliance on divine intervention rather than human judgment. It highlights the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people and the importance of maintaining communal and familial integrity. Contemporary Reflections: Modern readers may find the ritual challenging to understand within contemporary ethical frameworks. However, it is essential to view it within its historical and cultural context, recognizing its role in maintaining social order and divine justice in ancient Israel. The passage invites reflection on the themes of trust, fidelity, and the pursuit of truth within relationships, as well as the belief in God's active presence in the lives of His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Water of Bitterness or of JealousyWATER OF BITTERNESS (OR OF JEALOUSY) See ADULTERY, (2). Library On the Symbols of Pythagoras. Letter xiv. --Explanations and Direction. A Servant of Servants A Last visit to Arcadius Felicitous Phrases Original Sin The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail. Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. God did not Make Evil, nor is He at all in any Way the Author of ... Man's Passions and God's Purpose Resources What is the symbolism of water baptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about holy water? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He spoke of living water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |
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