Numbers 5 - Various instructions

We now get various instructions, some of which follow on from previous stuff in Leviticus.

If we wrong someone else, then we are unfaithful to the Lord. We demonstrate our love for God by loving others, conversely we are denying the Lord when we wrong someone else. If possible, restitution was to be paid to the wronged person or their family, plus an extra 20%. If it was not possible to reimburse those immediately affected, a sum must be given to the temple. So we see here several things. First practical restitution is to be made when this is possible, and this includes a supplement as well. If this was not possible the "sinner" still had to pay something. So there is a cost involved. Now we need to remember that in Leviticus we read of various sacrifices and atonements for sins, including unintentional sins. We now read of practical consequences. So being forgiven for our sins does not mean there are no practical consequences or penalties. The two are not in conflict.

Next we get instructions on dealing with an unfaithful wife. There is a recognition that even when there is no hard evidence, there maybe subtle signs that something is amiss. In this case the matter was to be taken to the priest. The priest was to make the woman make a vow that would bring a curse on her if she was lying.

Now all this seems strange to us, but there is an important and relevant point here. If the woman was telling the truth in denying adultery, then she had nothing to fear. If she was lying then God would bring judgement upon her, it was out of man's hands. Now there are all sorts of debates about divorce and remarriage of people within church. No matter what system or approach our own church takes, it will not be perfect. Ultimately we need to recognise that it is not our job to be all knowing, only God is in that position. But if someone does lie or deceive, then ultimately they are lying to God and will suffer the consequences.

There is a further point. Why these laws for the woman and not for the man? Maybe here it is just a reflection of the social system. When Jesus taught on related matters He made it clear that the man was as responsible as the woman.