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Book of Numbers - Chapter 5 - Verse 19

5:19
And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Numbers in the Bible, a woman is being accused of committing adultery. The priest charges her by an oath, asking her to swear that she has not been unfaithful to her husband. If she is innocent, she will be free from the curse that is brought about by the bitter water. This ritual was a test of the woman's fidelity and a way to determine her guilt or innocence in the eyes of the community. If she had been unfaithful, the bitter water would bring a curse upon her, but if she had not strayed from her marriage vows, she would be acquitted and vindicated. This passage highlights the importance of honesty and faithfulness in relationships, as well as the consequences of betraying those commitments. It also shows the role of the priest as a mediator between the accused and the divine, ensuring justice and fairness in the community.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the process by which a woman suspected of adultery would be tested. The priest would charge her by an oath, asking her if she had been unfaithful to her husband. If she had not committed adultery and had remained faithful, then she would be deemed innocent and free from the curse of the bitter water. This process emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the serious consequences of infidelity. The use of the bitter water as a test reflects the belief that God would reveal the truth and administer justice. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the themes of trust, accountability, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness in all relationships, and the belief that God sees all and judges accordingly.

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