Numbers 5:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 5:25
25 Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:
Chapter Context
Numbers 5 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, fellowship, love. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 5:25
25 Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:
Analysis
The priest taking the jealousy offering from the woman's hands and waving it before the Lord, then offering it upon the altar, incorporates the woman's accusation into the sacrificial system. The wave offering symbolized presentation to God for His acceptance or rejection. Offering it on the altar sanctifies the entire proceeding, demonstrating that this is not merely human judgment but a matter brought before God. Only after this offering could the woman drink the water, showing that divine judgment must be sought through proper sacred channels.
Historical Context
Wave offerings involved a horizontal movement of the offering before the Lord, symbolizing presentation for His inspection and acceptance. Grain offerings on the altar typically accompanied other sacrifices. Here, the memorial offering serves as a reminder before God of the matter at hand.
Reflection
- What does the incorporation of this trial into the sacrificial system teach about bringing our disputes before God?
- How does the required offering before drinking the water demonstrate that divine judgment must be properly sought?
- In what ways does the wave offering symbolize our need to present all matters to God for His verdict?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Leviticus 8:27