Numbers 5:11-31 – Adultery
The sin of adultery is rebelling against God and what He commands. It is sinning against the spouse, robbing them of their honour and violating the covenant made with them. Nothing pollutes the mind and conscience more than this sin does. It is a sin which great care is taken by the sinners to conceal. We can learn from these verses that we should not give any the least occasion to suspect us of sexual sin; for how great a matter may a little fire kindle! We should also learn not to entertain any causeless or unjust suspicions of others. This trial described in these verses may seem strange to us, but even today we see God punishing those who commit sexual sins in much the same way by the spread of often fatal diseases and barrenness.
From these verses we may learn first that secret sins are known to God, and sometimes are strangely brought to light in this life; however, there is a day coming when God will, by Jesus Christ, as here by the priest, judge the secrets of men according to the gospel, Rom. 2:16. Secondly, in particular, adulterers God will judge. The violation of the marriage covenant is highly provoking to the God of heaven, and sooner or later it will be accounted for. Though we don’t have today the waters of jealousy to be a terror to the unclean, yet we have a word from God which ought to be as great a terror, that if any man defile the temple of God, God shall destroy him, 1 Cor. 3:17. Thirdly, that God will find some way or other to clear the innocent, and to bring forth their righteousness as the light. Fourthly, that the same word is to some life, to others death, like those waters of jealousy, the same providence is for good to some and for hurt to others. And, whatever it is intended for, it shall not return void.
Questions
- How does God view adultery?
- What will happen on the last day?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of family and friends.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.