Monday, October 31, 2011

Jealousy

Numbers 5

Now here's a chapter I wish I could find a positive spin for.  But, it's just not happening.

Nothing in here about what happens if a woman is jealous and her husband has been cheating on her.  If through this ancient ritual the woman is deemed guilty as the man suspects, then she will suffer the inability to bear children.  In fact whether she's innocent or guilty she will have to suffer being put to the test by drinking dirty water because of her husband's accusation.  The man on the other hand will not bear any guilt for falsely accusing her and putting her through this ordeal.  He will be free from iniquity.  But, what about the marriage?  How will that fare after an ordeal like this?   

I am not real appreciative of this one-sided rule.  Sometimes, there is no positive spin that can be found for some things.  Sometimes, that's just the way it is.  But, this morning's reading is a reminder this morning that neither adultery or jealousy bring about anything that is good. 

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