Numbers 5 (v1-10), Dealing with Uncleanness

This chapter has some interesting issues.  The first, in 5:1-4, is the emphasis on “outside the camp.”  This is important for any society, to keep the normal population free of uncleanness.  The regulation involved lepers as well as anyone who came into contact with death (v2).  Thus, burial places were OTC (outside the camp) as well as places of execution.  The writer to Hebrews reminded us that Jesus was crucified OTC, and that if we are going to receive Him, we must go OTC as well (Heb. 13:10-14).  In other words, we do not find Him in the palace or luxury home or even in the tombs of the kings.  He is with the unclean because He became unclean for us!

Num. 5:5-10 clarifies issues involving restitution for sin.  First, the criminal must confess his sin; he must take ownership of the fact he has violated the law of God.  Then there is a fine to pay, equal to the amount involved in the crime itself, plus one fifth that value.  The money goes to the one who was wronged or his relatives or to the priest if the other options are not available.  This is an interesting paragraph as I write this, given the laws the Taliban are enforcing in Afghanistan.  The Koran calls for cutting off the hand of the thief (perhaps there is also restitution, I don’t know).  But the problem is this increases the temptation to steal because one’s ability to work is decreased.  God’s laws for Israel’s society were good laws (Deut. 4:7-8).

That last thought leads us to the last part of Num. 5 (v11-31) having to do with a test to see if a wife has been unfaithful to her husband.  If you read this section you may have had some questions, especially relating to what might seem to be an unfair treatment of women.  Let’s give this some thought.

First, the situation involved unfaithfulness that was not witnessed by anyone else.  We do see that adultery was a serious matter under the Mosaic Law, and should be for God’s people today.  Second, the whole matter was triggered by “the spirit of jealousy” (v14).  In other words, there was an estrangement that came between the couple.  If there was no way to determine the truth it would leave the wife in a very hard position, open to continual abuse from her suspicious husband, or to divorce which the man could pursue (Deut. 24:1-4). 

Third, note that this “test” cost the husband something (v15).  This might discourage him from frivolous charges that he knew would not stand.  Fourth, note that the priest is involved (v15).  In other words, this matter is brought to the Lord.  Keep this in mind: the fact that this test works is because God is in it.  She is “before the LORD” (v16) and it is the LORD who makes the test work (v21). 

Lastly, we should also draw attention to the cultures of the rest of the nations, where the males often had authority to act upon their “spirit of jealousy.”  Wives were often without a path to prove themselves.  Thus, we will again say, as before, that God’s laws for Israel were wise.