Numbers 5:23
And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:
Original Language Analysis
וְ֠כָתַב
shall write
H3789
וְ֠כָתַב
shall write
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
1 of 10
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
5 of 10
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
בַּסֵּ֑פֶר
in a book
H5612
בַּסֵּ֑פֶר
in a book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
וּמָחָ֖ה
and he shall blot
H4229
וּמָחָ֖ה
and he shall blot
Strong's:
H4229
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
Historical Context
Writing and then blotting out the curses into water may have involved ink that dissolved when placed in the liquid. The woman thus drank water containing the very words of the oath she had taken, making the ritual deeply symbolic of internalizing God's judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the efficacy of God's written word in this ritual teach about the power of Scripture?
- How does drinking the written curse illustrate the principle that we must internalize and reckon with God's word?
- In what ways does this physical ritual point to the reality that God's judgments cannot be avoided or evaded?
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Analysis & Commentary
The writing of curses and their blotting into the bitter water creates a physical symbol of the judgment being internalized. The woman will literally drink the written curses. This vivid imagery demonstrates that God's word accomplishes what it declares—when the woman drinks, she physically takes in the potential curse, which will either have no effect (if innocent) or produce the promised consequences (if guilty). The written word of God, even in curse form, is efficacious and powerful.