Old Testament
Numbers 5:26
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The priest will take a handful of the offering as the memorial portion and burn it on the altar. After that, he will have the woman drink the water.
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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.
What Numbers 5:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 5:26, the priest performs a specific ritual involving a woman suspected of infidelity. He takes a portion of the grain offering, which symbolizes her guilt or innocence, and burns it on the altar as a memorial to God. This act signifies the seriousness of the situation and the need for divine judgment. After the offering is burned, the priest then instructs the woman to drink a special water mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor. This water is believed to reveal her guilt or innocence through the outcome of her physical reaction. If she is innocent, she will remain unharmed; if guilty, she will suffer consequences. This ritual underscores the importance of faithfulness and the serious nature of marital vows in the Israelite community, as well as the role of the priest in mediating between God and the people.
How to apply Numbers 5:26 to your life
This passage reminds us of the importance of honesty and fidelity in relationships. It encourages individuals to reflect on their commitments and the consequences of their actions. Seeking reconciliation and maintaining integrity can strengthen bonds and foster trust in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 5:26 mean?
Numbers 5:26 describes a ritual performed by a priest involving a woman suspected of infidelity. The priest takes a portion of her grain offering, burns it as a memorial to God, and then has her drink a special water that determines her guilt or innocence.
What is the significance of the water in Numbers 5:26?
The water in Numbers 5:26 is mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor and is believed to reveal the woman's guilt or innocence based on her physical reaction after drinking it. This ritual emphasizes the seriousness of marital fidelity and the role of divine judgment.
What does the grain offering represent in Numbers 5:26?
In Numbers 5:26, the grain offering represents the woman's guilt or innocence in the context of the ritual. Burning a portion of it on the altar serves as a memorial to God, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
What role does the priest play in Numbers 5:26?
In Numbers 5:26, the priest acts as a mediator between the woman and God, conducting the ritual to determine her guilt or innocence. His actions underscore the importance of the priestly role in maintaining ritual purity and justice within the community.
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