“Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Bible and focuses on the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains various laws, regulations, and historical accounts of the Israelite community during their wilderness wanderings.
Verse Analysis: In Numbers 5:15, the passage describes a situation where a husband suspects his wife of unfaithfulness. If the husband has a jealous spirit and doubts his wife’s fidelity, he is to bring his wife to the priest, along with an offering. The offering is a memorial and serves to bring the iniquity to remembrance.
Jealousy and Suspicion: This passage addresses the issue of jealousy within a marriage. Jealousy can arise due to doubts, suspicions, or a lack of trust. However, it is important to note that the passage is not condoning jealousy as a positive attribute but rather providing a means for resolving disputes in the Israelite community.
Bringing the Wife to the Priest: When a husband has doubts about his wife’s faithfulness, he is instructed to bring her before the priest. The priest acts as a mediator in the process and helps determine the truth behind the husband’s suspicions. The involvement of the priest ensures an impartial judgment and the sanctity of the process.
The Offering: The husband is instructed to bring an offering of one-tenth of an ephah of barley meal for his wife. This offering is unique in that it does not include oil or frankincense, which were common elements in other offerings. The absence of oil and frankincense signifies that this offering is different from typical offerings and is specifically designated as an “offering of jealousy.”
An Offering of Jealousy and Memorial: The offering brought by the husband is described as an “offering of jealousy” and a “memorial.” It serves as a reminder to both the husband and the wife of the seriousness of the situation and the need for resolution. The offering brings the iniquity, or sin, to remembrance, emphasizing the need for truth and justice.
Application: While the specific process described in Numbers 5:15 was meant for the Israelites under the Old Covenant, there are a few principles we can draw from this passage for application today:
- Addressing Jealousy and Suspicion: Jealousy and suspicion can harm relationships. It is important to deal with these feelings in a healthy manner, communicating openly and honestly with one another. Trust, forgiveness, and understanding play crucial roles in maintaining a strong marital bond.
- Seeking Mediation: When conflicts arise, it can be helpful to seek wise counsel or involve a trusted third party who can provide guidance and objectivity. This may include seeking the help of a pastor, counselor, or a mature and trusted individual who can assist in resolving disputes.
- Honoring the Sanctity of Marriage: The seriousness with which the Israelites approached the issue of infidelity reminds us of the sacredness of marriage. It is important to value and honor the commitment made in marriage and to work towards resolving conflicts in a manner that upholds the sanctity of the relationship.
- Remembering the Consequences of Sin: The concept of bringing iniquity to remembrance through the offering serves as a reminder that sin has consequences. It is important to acknowledge and address our shortcomings, seeking forgiveness from God and from one another, and working towards reconciliation.
In summary, Numbers 5:15 provides instructions for addressing suspicions of infidelity within the Israelite community. While the specific process described is not directly applicable today, the principles of addressing jealousy, seeking mediation, honoring the sanctity of marriage, and remembering the consequences of sin are valuable lessons that we can apply in our relationships today.
