Book of Numbers - Chapter 5 - Verse 21

In this verse from the Bible, specifically Numbers 5:21, the priest is given the authority to administer an oath of cursing to a woman suspected of committing adultery. The woman is warned that if she is indeed guilty, the Lord will make her a curse among her people, causing her thigh to rot and her belly to swell. This solemn oath is a serious warning of the consequences of sin and betrayal within the community. The imagery of physical afflictions such as rotting thighs and swelling bellies serves as a powerful deterrent against adultery and other sinful behaviors. By invoking the name of the Lord in the oath, the priest impresses upon the woman the gravity of her actions and the importance of living a righteous life according to God's commandments. This verse underscores the belief that God's judgment is just and inevitable, and serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's laws.

The theological interpretation of this verse in the book of Numbers sheds light on the seriousness of breaking the laws and commandments set by God. In this particular case, a woman suspected of adultery is brought before the priest to undergo a test that will determine her guilt or innocence. The priest charges her with an oath of cursing, calling upon the Lord to make her a curse and an oath among her people if she is guilty. The physical consequences described in the verse, such as her thigh rotting and her belly swelling, are seen as signs of divine judgment for the sin she is accused of committing. This passage highlights the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness in relationships, as well as the gravity of facing the consequences of breaking God's laws. It serves as a warning to all believers to be vigilant in following the commandments of the Lord to avoid the potentially devastating outcome of disobedience.