Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity— i.e. The man, by taking this method to find out the truth, shall clear himself from the guilt of harbouring unwarrantable jealousy: nor shall he be deemed punishable for thus prosecuting and trying the wife who gives him occasion of jealousy, whether she prove guilty or not. It was thus, says Henry, that God anciently testified his detestation of adultery; and we must not suppose that this crime shall pass unpunished under the Gospel. Though the miraculous trial of persons suspected no longer takes place, the Searcher of the hearts and reins will one day bring the most hidden secrets to light, and destroy him who has polluted the temple of his Holy Spirit.
REFLECTIONS.—From the whole many useful lessons arise. 1. Let every wife be careful to avoid the least occasion which may awaken the spirit of jealousy. 2. Let every husband beware of indulging it; it is a canker which will rob him of all peace and rest. 3. Innocence is a sufficient support under the most malignant accusations. 4. We need fear to drink, if sin has embittered the waters; the pleasures of sense can make us but a miserable recompence for the curse of God. 5. Though the waters of jealousy are no more, the voice of conscience and the eye of God will speak and see. 6. God brings strangely to light the hidden things of darkness: though the adulterer says, No eye seeth me, yet afterwards his folly is made manifest to the world. 7. Though sinners escape all present censure or punishment, yet whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.