Numbers 5:24

24 Before he makes the woman drink the water, which may then cause her bitter pain,

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 enter your stomach and cause it to swell up and your genital organs to shrink." The woman shall respond, "I agree; may the Lord do so."

23 Then the priest shall write this curse down and wash the writing off into the bowl of bitter water.

24 Before he makes the woman drink the water, which may then cause her bitter pain,

25 the priest shall take the offering of flour out of the woman's hands, hold it out in dedication to the Lord, and present it on the altar.

26 Then he shall take a handful of it as a token offering and burn it on the altar. Finally, he shall make the woman drink the water.