Numbers 1-8

Num. 5:11-3: God gave law to stop the practice of evil, to preserve humanity. The 7th Commandment (Ex.20:14 re. adultery), applies to all. A woman in that culture, however, accused of adultery by her husband, had few paths to prove her innocence and remove reason her husband might have for jealousy. The “tabernacle test” described in this passage provided that path for unquestionable proof. It did not rely on psychology or magic. It was prescribed and adjudicated by God.

The struggle with sin and its presence includes every person. “All have sinned,” (Rom. 3:23). We have no innocence to prove. But “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us...” 1 John 1:9.