Numbers Chapter 5 · Verse 12
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,
Original Language Analysis
דַּבֵּר֙
Speak
H1696
דַּבֵּר֙
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אִישׁ֙
man's
H376
אִישׁ֙
man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אִישׁ֙
man's
H376
אִישׁ֙
man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
This unusual trial by ordeal (v.11-31) addressed suspicion of adultery without witnesses - impossible to prove or disprove through normal means. The woman drank bitter water mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor and words from a curse that were washed into it. If guilty, she would suffer physical consequences; if innocent, she'd conceive. Unlike pagan trials by ordeal (often designed to ensure guilty verdicts), this one protected innocent women while identifying guilt through divine intervention. The practice apparently fell into disuse before the New Testament era.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's jealous love for your exclusive devotion affect your relationship with Him?
- What 'spiritual adultery' (worldly loves competing with God) needs to be brought before the Lord for judgment and cleansing?
Analysis & Commentary
God addresses cases where 'any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him.' The Hebrew 'satah' (go aside/turn away) and 'ma'al' (trespass/unfaithfulness) describe both physical and spiritual adultery. This law protected both accused wives from false accusations and husbands from genuine unfaithfulness. The jealousy offering (v.15) brought the matter before God for His judgment. This passage ultimately points to God's jealousy for His people's faithfulness (Ex 20:5, 34:14). Israel's covenant relationship with God was like marriage; idolatry was adultery (Jer 3:8, Ezek 16). Christ's relationship with the church continues this marriage imagery (Eph 5:25-32, Rev 19:7).