Memorials in the Bible
A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars.
God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at four of them.
OFFERING TO THE LORD
4) Jealousy Offering
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,13 And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner;14 And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. (Numbers 5:12-15)
And the priest shall set the woman before the Lord, and uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: (Numbers 5:18)
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. (Numbers 5:26)
“The jealousy-offering is a unique ritual described in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers, which addresses the issue of marital fidelity and suspicion of adultery. This offering is part of the broader Mosaic Law given to the Israelites and is detailed in Numbers 5:11-31.
Biblical Context
The jealousy-offering is part of the ceremonial law that God provided to the Israelites through Moses. It is a specific procedure for a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks concrete evidence. This ritual underscores the importance of marital faithfulness and the sanctity of the marriage covenant in the Israelite community.
Procedure
According to Numbers 5:11-31, the process begins when a husband experiences a “spirit of jealousy” and suspects his wife of being unfaithful. The husband is to bring his wife to the priest, along with an offering of barley flour. This offering is distinct in that it is not mixed with oil or frankincense, symbolizing the gravity and solemnity of the situation.
The priest then prepares a mixture of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, creating what is referred to as “bitter water.” The woman is made to stand before the LORD, and the priest uncovers her head, signifying her vulnerability and the seriousness of the accusation. The priest then administers an oath, and the woman must drink the bitter water. If she is guilty, the water will cause a physical reaction, described as her abdomen swelling and her thigh wasting away, which would serve as a divine judgment. If she is innocent, she will be unharmed and able to bear children.
Theological Significance
The jealousy-offering highlights several key theological themes. First, it emphasizes God’s concern for justice and truth within the covenant community. The ritual provides a means for resolving suspicion and restoring trust in a marriage, reflecting God’s desire for harmony and fidelity among His people.
Second, the offering underscores the belief in God’s direct involvement in the lives of His people. The outcome of the ritual is seen as a divine judgment, affirming that God is the ultimate arbiter of truth and righteousness.
Lastly, the jealousy-offering serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the marriage covenant. Adultery is not merely a personal failing but a breach of a sacred vow made before God. The ritual reinforces the idea that marriage is a divine institution that requires faithfulness and integrity.
Cultural and Historical Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the jealousy-offering is unique to Israelite law. While other cultures had various means of addressing adultery, the biblical procedure is distinct in its reliance on divine intervention rather than human judgment alone. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where God’s law governed all aspects of life.
Scriptural Reference
The primary scriptural reference for the jealousy-offering is found in Numbers 5:11-31. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of this passage, capturing the solemnity and procedural details of the ritual:
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him by sleeping with another man, but it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected, since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act, and if a feeling of jealousy comes over her husband and he suspects his wife who has defiled herself—or if a feeling of jealousy comes over him and he suspects his wife even though she has not defiled herself—then he is to bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour on her behalf. He is not to pour oil or incense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder offering to draw attention to iniquity.'” (Numbers 5:11-15)
This passage sets the stage for the subsequent ritual actions and the divine judgment that follows. (https://biblehub.com/topical/j/jealousy-offering.htm)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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