Numbers 5:24

24 He will require the woman to drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause bitter suffering.

Numbers 5:24 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 5:24

And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that
causeth the curse
. Having the curse imprecated upon herself, if guilty, scraped into it; and this she was obliged to drink, whether she would or not; so it is said, if the roll is blotted out, and she says I am defiled, the water is poured out, and her offering is scattered in the place of ashes; if the roll is blotted out, and she says I will not drink, then force her, and make her drink whether she will or no ^F26:

and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, [and become]
bitter;
produce the sad and bitter effects mentioned.

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 Misnah, ut supra, (Sotah) c. 3. sect. 3.

Numbers 5:24 In-Context

22 May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach, causing [your] belly to swell and [your] thigh to shrivel.' "And the woman must reply, 'Amen, Amen.'

23 "Then the priest is to write these curses on a scroll and wash [them] off into the bitter water.

24 He will require the woman to drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause bitter suffering.

25 The priest is to take the grain offering of jealousy from the woman's hand, wave the offering before the Lord, and bring it to the altar.

26 The priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar. Then he will require the woman to drink the water.