Numbers 5:24

24 Then he will have the woman drink the bitter water that can bring the curse. This water will go into her [and] become bitter.

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 can bring a curse go into your body and make your stomach swell and your uterus drop!' "Then the woman will say, 'Amen, amen!'

23 "The priest will write these curses on a scroll and wash them off into the bitter water.

24 Then he will have the woman drink the bitter water that can bring the curse. This water will go into her [and] become bitter.

25 The priest will take the grain offering she was holding, present it to the LORD, and bring it to the altar.

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