“And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.”
Numbers 5:22 is part of a passage that describes the process of the bitter water trial for a woman suspected of adultery. In this context, if a husband suspected his wife of being unfaithful but had no evidence, he could bring her before the priest, along with an offering of barley meal, to determine her guilt or innocence.
When we examine this verse, several key points stand out:
Symbolism of the bitter water: The water described here is a unique concoction prepared by the priest, which contained the dust from the tabernacle floor and ink from a written curse. It was seen as a means of invoking God’s judgment. The bitter water symbolizes the potential consequences of infidelity and serves as a test or trial for the accused woman.
Physical manifestations: The verse states that if the woman is indeed guilty of adultery, the water she drinks will cause her belly to swell and her thigh to rot. It implies that this act of divine judgment will result in visible physical signs of guilt. It is worth noting that the exact nature of these physical manifestations is not explicitly described in further detail.
The woman’s response: After drinking the bitter water, the woman is expected to respond with a double “Amen.” This response can be seen as an affirmation of her acceptance of the trial and acknowledgment of the potential consequences of her actions. By saying “Amen, amen,” she agrees to submit to God’s judgment.
It is important to understand that this passage is specific to the Old Testament context and the cultural norms of that time. The procedure described in Numbers 5 was part of the legal system established by God for the Israelites. It aimed to maintain moral purity and uphold the sanctity of marriage within the community.
As we interpret this passage, it is crucial to consider its historical and cultural context. Today, under the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ, we are called to approach situations of marital conflict, infidelity, and sin with love, grace, and forgiveness, seeking reconciliation rather than legalistic rituals. The teachings of Jesus encourage us to extend mercy and offer opportunities for repentance and healing.
In conclusion, Numbers 5:22 presents an Old Testament ritual designed to determine the guilt or innocence of a woman suspected of adultery. It employs symbolism and physical manifestations to invoke divine judgment. While it serves as a historical example of God’s concern for marital faithfulness, we should interpret and apply it within the broader context of God’s mercy and grace as revealed through Jesus Christ.
