Book of Numbers - Chapter 5 - Verse 26

In this verse from the book of Numbers, it describes a ritual known as the ordeal of bitter water. This ritual was performed by a priest to determine if a woman had been unfaithful to her husband. The priest would take a handful of the woman's offering, burn it on the altar, and then mix it with holy water. The woman would then be required to drink this water. If she was guilty of adultery, it was believed that she would suffer physical consequences from the bitter water, such as swelling or illness. However, if she was innocent, the water would have no effect on her and she would be cleared of any wrongdoing. This ritual was a way to maintain sanctity and purity within the community, as adultery was a serious offense in ancient times. While this practice may seem harsh or primitive to us today, it was a commonly accepted method of justice and morality in the culture of that time.

One theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Numbers is related to the concept of purity and divine intervention. In this passage, the priest is instructed to take a handful of the offering and burn it upon the altar before causing the woman to drink the water. This ritual is part of the process of determining a woman's guilt or innocence in cases of suspected adultery. The burning of the offering symbolizes purification and the woman’s potential cleansing through divine intervention. The act of drinking the water mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor also serves as a test of the woman’s faith and submission to God’s judgment. This verse underscores the importance of ritual purity and obedience to God’s laws in the community of ancient Israel. Through this symbolic act, the Israelites affirmed their belief in the divine power of God to reveal truth and dispense justice.