This is the law in cases of jealousy, when a wife, though under her husband’s authority, goes astray and defiles herself, or when the spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife. Then he shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall carry out for her all this law. Numbers 5:29-30
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 5:11-31, the Lord spoke to Moses and gave him instructions for how adultery is to be treated. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God designed and created both man and woman and designed marriage as a lifelong commitment to both God and to each other. Among the ten commandments, the seventh states "[y]ou shall not commit adultery." The text here today provides instructions for how to treat a wife's adultery - Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22 describe the harsh penalty (death) that also applies to husbands. The New Testament redefines - appropriately so - adultery to be a matter of the heart (see Matthew 5:27-28).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Sexual sin is the broad category that includes adultery - like anything else this brief post from DesiringGod.com points out how all such sin is the result of our (believers and non-believers alike) lack of satisfaction in God, so we seek satisfaction in earthly, flesh satisfying sin. God is always the answer to how we treat sin, repent and turn to Him.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid growing comfortable with the world and gaining too much satisfaction from it. Claim the promise that God is all we need. Follow the example of many who lost everything - Joseph, Paul, etc. - yet with God were content in all things. Love God above all else.
My Prayer: Father God, You designed marriage and I am blessed in my marriage - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my marriage nor any blessing You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
