Numbers 5:18 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments

Before the Lord — Before the tabernacle with her face towards the ark. Uncover her head — Partly that she might be made sensible how manifest she and all her ways were to God; partly in token of her sorrow for her sin, or at least for any cause of suspicion which she had given. In her hands — That she herself might offer it, and thereby call God to be witness of her innocency. Bitter — So called either from the bitter taste which the dust gave it, or from the bitter effects of it upon her, if she were guilty. That causeth the curse — Not by any natural power, but by a supernatural efficacy.

Numbers 5:18

18 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: