Numbers 5:18 - The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse.
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What does "Numbers 5:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 5:18, is part of the ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31 dealing with a case where a husband suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks proof. Let's break down the meaning of the actions in this verse:
"The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh": The woman is brought to the sanctuary, signifying that the matter is now in God's hands. The issue is not being dealt with purely in a legal or social setting, but in a religious one, involving divine judgment.
"and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose": This is significant. In that cultural context, a woman's hair was usually kept bound or covered as a sign of modesty and marital status. Letting her hair down was a symbolic act of humiliation, shame, and vulnerability. It's also interpreted by some as a sign that her social status is being temporarily suspended during the trial.
"and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy": The woman is given a meal offering to hold. However, this is a special kind of meal offering. It's a "meal offering of memorial," meaning it's a reminder of sin and a plea for God to remember the situation. It's also called the "meal offering of jealousy," connecting it directly to the husband's jealousy and suspicion. This meal offering is unusual in that it doesn't contain oil or frankincense, which are normally added to grain offerings. Their absence signifies the lack of joy and blessing associated with this ritual.
"The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse": The priest holds a special mixture called "the water of bitterness that brings a curse." This wasn't ordinary water. The text implies that it contains dust from the Tabernacle floor and possibly ingredients believed to have a symbolic or magical effect. It's intended to be a vehicle for a conditional curse. If the woman is guilty, this water is supposed to cause a specific physical reaction (mentioned later in the passage: a shriveled thigh and swollen belly). If she is innocent, she will remain unharmed and be able to conceive.
In Summary:
This verse describes a deeply ritualized and symbolic process designed to determine the guilt or innocence of a woman suspected of adultery when there is no other evidence. The actions are meant to put the woman in a vulnerable and exposed state before God, with a "meal offering of jealousy" and a "water of bitterness" acting as a means to invoke a divine judgment. The ritual is rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of the time and reflects a patriarchal social structure.
Important Considerations:
Context is crucial: This passage must be understood within its historical and cultural context. It's important to avoid applying these practices directly to modern situations.
Controversy and Interpretation: The interpretation of this passage is highly debated. Some scholars argue that it was a rare and extreme measure intended to protect marital fidelity. Others view it as an unjust and oppressive ritual that reflects gender inequality.
Symbolic Meaning: The details of the ritual are highly symbolic, and understanding these symbols is key to interpreting the passage. The loosened hair, the unusual meal offering, and the "water of bitterness" all contribute to the ritual's impact and meaning.
Numbers 5:18 - The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse.
What does "Numbers 5:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 5:18, is part of the ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31 dealing with a case where a husband suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks proof. Let's break down the meaning of the actions in this verse:
"The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh": The woman is brought to the sanctuary, signifying that the matter is now in God's hands. The issue is not being dealt with purely in a legal or social setting, but in a religious one, involving divine judgment.
"and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose": This is significant. In that cultural context, a woman's hair was usually kept bound or covered as a sign of modesty and marital status. Letting her hair down was a symbolic act of humiliation, shame, and vulnerability. It's also interpreted by some as a sign that her social status is being temporarily suspended during the trial.
"and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy": The woman is given a meal offering to hold. However, this is a special kind of meal offering. It's a "meal offering of memorial," meaning it's a reminder of sin and a plea for God to remember the situation. It's also called the "meal offering of jealousy," connecting it directly to the husband's jealousy and suspicion. This meal offering is unusual in that it doesn't contain oil or frankincense, which are normally added to grain offerings. Their absence signifies the lack of joy and blessing associated with this ritual.
"The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse": The priest holds a special mixture called "the water of bitterness that brings a curse." This wasn't ordinary water. The text implies that it contains dust from the Tabernacle floor and possibly ingredients believed to have a symbolic or magical effect. It's intended to be a vehicle for a conditional curse. If the woman is guilty, this water is supposed to cause a specific physical reaction (mentioned later in the passage: a shriveled thigh and swollen belly). If she is innocent, she will remain unharmed and be able to conceive.
In Summary:
This verse describes a deeply ritualized and symbolic process designed to determine the guilt or innocence of a woman suspected of adultery when there is no other evidence. The actions are meant to put the woman in a vulnerable and exposed state before God, with a "meal offering of jealousy" and a "water of bitterness" acting as a means to invoke a divine judgment. The ritual is rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of the time and reflects a patriarchal social structure.
Important Considerations:
Context is crucial: This passage must be understood within its historical and cultural context. It's important to avoid applying these practices directly to modern situations.
Controversy and Interpretation: The interpretation of this passage is highly debated. Some scholars argue that it was a rare and extreme measure intended to protect marital fidelity. Others view it as an unjust and oppressive ritual that reflects gender inequality.
Symbolic Meaning: The details of the ritual are highly symbolic, and understanding these symbols is key to interpreting the passage. The loosened hair, the unusual meal offering, and the "water of bitterness" all contribute to the ritual's impact and meaning.