Book of Numbers - Chapter 5 - Verse 16

When a woman was suspected by her husband of being unfaithful, she would undergo a trial by ordeal known as the ordeal of bitter water, as described in the book of Numbers in the Bible. The process involved the priest bringing the woman before the Lord to stand trial. By setting her before the Lord, the priest was symbolically placing her under divine judgment. The woman would then be made to drink water that had been mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor and ink from a written curse. If she was indeed guilty of adultery, it was believed that she would suffer physical consequences as a result of drinking the bitter water. If she was innocent, then no harm would come to her. This verse demonstrates the seriousness with which adultery was viewed in ancient Israel, and the belief in divine intervention in matters of justice and righteousness.

In this verse, the phrase "And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:" highlights the role of the priest as a mediator between the people and the divine. The act of bringing the individual before the LORD symbolizes a physical and spiritual proximity to God, emphasizing the significance of being in His presence. The priest's actions serve as a bridge between the worshipper and the holiness of God, underscoring the importance of rituals and ceremonies in the Israelite religious practices. Additionally, the act of setting the person before the LORD suggests a form of surrender and submission to God's will, acknowledging His authority and sovereignty. Through this interpretation, the verse emphasizes the priest's crucial role in facilitating the relationship between the people and their God, guiding them in their worship and devotion.