Numbers 5:26
And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּהֵ֤ן
And the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֤ן
And the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
2 of 14
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמִּנְחָה֙
of the offering
H4503
הַמִּנְחָה֙
of the offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
4 of 14
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔הּ
even the memorial
H234
אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔הּ
even the memorial
Strong's:
H234
Word #:
6 of 14
a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering
וְהִקְטִ֖יר
thereof and burn
H6999
וְהִקְטִ֖יר
thereof and burn
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
7 of 14
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
וְאַחַ֛ר
and afterward
H310
וְאַחַ֛ר
and afterward
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יַשְׁקֶ֥ה
to drink
H8248
יַשְׁקֶ֥ה
to drink
Strong's:
H8248
Word #:
10 of 14
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Leviticus 2:2And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:Leviticus 2:9And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.Leviticus 5:12Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.
Historical Context
The memorial portion (Hebrew 'azkarah') of grain offerings was always burned on the altar while the priests ate the remainder. This portion served as a representative sample that brought the entire offering before God. Here, it memorialized the allegation being tested.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the memorial aspect of this offering teach about bringing our grievances before God?
- How does the required sequence of events demonstrate the importance of following God's prescribed order?
- In what ways does the ascending smoke symbolize our prayers and petitions rising to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Taking a handful of the memorial offering and burning it on the altar mirrors the standard grain offering procedure, but in this context, it serves as a memorial before God of the suspected transgression. The burning creates smoke that ascends to God, bringing the matter formally into His presence. Only after this memorial is made does the woman drink the bitter water. This sequence teaches that accusation, memorialization before God, and divine judgment must follow proper order. The Reformed emphasis on God's ordained means applies even to matters of judgment.