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Book of Numbers - Chapter 5 - Verse 30

5:30
Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.

Meaning

In this verse, the concept of jealousy within a marriage is addressed. If a husband suspects his wife of being unfaithful and becomes consumed by jealousy, he has the right to bring her before the Lord for judgment. This process involves the husband presenting his wife to the priest, who then carries out the prescribed law. The woman undergoes a ritual to determine her innocence or guilt. This ritual often includes a trial by ordeal, such as drinking a concoction of water and dust. If she is found guilty of adultery, she will face consequences as outlined in the law.

This verse reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where marriage was considered a sacred institution and adultery was a serious offense. The ritual described here was a way to maintain order within the community and uphold the sanctity of marriage. While the practice may seem harsh by today's standards, it was believed to be necessary for maintaining moral standards and ensuring faithfulness in marriage. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and fidelity in relationships, as well as the consequences of straying from those values.

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