Numbers 5:12
Speake vnto the children of Israel, and say vnto them, If any mans wife goe aside, and commit a trespasse against him; Numbers 5:12 (KJV)
God commands Moses to address the Israelites concerning a situation in which a man’s wife “goes aside” and commits a trespass against him. Understanding this verse requires looking at the surrounding passages and the broader themes of the book of Numbers. Numbers, the fourth book of the Bible, records the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land and contains many laws and regulations given through Moses.
In Numbers 5:11‑31 we encounter the specific “Law of Jealousies,” also called the “Law of the Test for Adultery.” This law deals with a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. The procedure calls for the husband to bring his wife before the priest, who then prepares a special drink—often called “bitter water.” The drink is mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor and ink from a written curse. The woman is required to drink the mixture; if she is guilty, the water is believed to cause physical consequences such as abdominal swelling or loss of fertility, whereas an innocent woman suffers no harm.
The purpose of this law was to provide a means for a husband to obtain resolution and clarity when he doubted his wife’s faithfulness, while also protecting the sanctity and purity of the marriage covenant. By invoking God’s direct judgment through the bitter water, the community sought to ensure justice and preserve the integrity of the marital relationship.
It is important to recognize that this law reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where adultery was taken very seriously and societal norms differed from those of today. Although the specific ritual is not applicable in modern times, the passage reveals the high value God places on faithfulness, honesty, and trust within marriage.
In summary, Numbers 5:11‑31 outlines a detailed procedure for testing a wife’s innocence or guilt when adultery is suspected, underscoring the importance of maintaining faithfulness and trust in the marriage covenant.
