“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him.”
In this verse, God commands Moses to address the Israelites concerning a situation where a man’s wife “goes aside” and commits a trespass against him. To understand the context and significance of this verse, it’s important to examine the surrounding verses and the broader themes within the book of Numbers.
Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and recounts the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains various laws and regulations that God gives to the people of Israel through Moses. In Numbers 5:12-31, we find a specific law known as the “Law of Jealousies” or the “Law of the Test for Adultery.” This law addresses situations where a husband suspects his wife of infidelity or unfaithfulness.
The passage continues from Numbers 5:12 with detailed instructions on how to deal with such a situation. It involves bringing the wife to the priest, who would administer a test to determine her guilt or innocence. The test is conducted by preparing a special drink, known as the “bitter water,” which contains dust from the tabernacle floor and ink from a written curse. The wife is then made to drink the water, and if she is guilty, it is believed that the water will cause her to suffer physical consequences, such as abdominal swelling or loss of fertility. If she is innocent, no harm will come to her.
The purpose of this law was to address suspicions of infidelity and to maintain the sanctity and purity of the marriage covenant. It provided a way for the husband to seek resolution and clarity when he doubted his wife’s faithfulness. The law was designed to bring about a supernatural judgment through God’s intervention, ensuring justice and preserving the integrity of the marriage relationship.
It is worth noting that this law reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where issues of adultery were taken very seriously, and societal norms differed from those of today. While the specifics of this law may not be applicable or followed in modern times, it offers insights into the value God places on faithfulness, honesty, and the importance of maintaining trust within the marriage covenant.
In summary, Numbers 5:12 introduces a specific law addressing situations where a man’s wife is suspected of committing adultery. The passage provides a detailed procedure for testing the wife’s innocence or guilt and highlights the importance of maintaining faithfulness and trust within the marriage relationship.
