Verses 11–31
This law would make the women of Israel watch against giving cause for suspicion. On the
other hand, it would hinder the cruel treatment such suspicions might occasion. It would also hinder
the guilty from escaping, and the innocent from coming under just suspicion. When no proof could
be brought, the wife was called on to make this solemn appeal to a heart-searching God. No woman,
if she were guilty, could say “Amen” to the adjuration, and drink the water after it, unless she
disbelieved the truth of God, or defied his justice. The water is called the bitter water, because it
caused the curse. Thus sin is called an evil and a bitter thing. Let all that meddle with forbidden
pleasures, know that they will be bitterness in the latter end. From the whole learn, 1. Secret sins
are known to God, and sometimes are strangely brought to light in this life; and that there is a day
coming when God will, by Christ, judge the secrets of men according to the gospel, Ro 2:16. 2 In
particular, Whoremongers and adulterers God will surely judge. Though we have not now the
waters of jealousy, yet we have God's word, which ought to be as great a terror. Sensual lusts will
end in bitterness. 3. God will manifest the innocency of the innocent. The same providence is for
good to some, and for hurt to others. And it will answer the purposes which God intends.
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites. (1–21)
The form of blessing the people. (22–27)Verses 1–21
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be
Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation
from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for a limited time, and under certain
rules, which any person might make if they pleased. A Nazarite is spoken of as well known; but
his obligation is brought to a greater certainty than before. That the fancies of superstitious men
might not multiply the restraints endlessly, God gives them rules. They must not drink wine or
strong drink, nor eat grapes. Those who separate themselves to God, must not gratify the desires
of the body, but keep it under. Let all Christians be very moderate in the use of wine and strong
drink; for if the love of these once gets the mastery of a man, he becomes an easy prey to Satan.
The Nazarites were to eat nothing that came of the vine; this may teach the utmost care to avoid
sin, and all that borders upon it, and leads to it, or may be a temptation to us. They must not cut
their hair. They must neither poll their heads, nor shave their beards; this was the mark of Samson
being a Nazarite. This signified neglect of the body, and of the ease and ornament of it. Those who
separate themselves to God, must keep their consciences pure from dead works, and not touch
unclean things. All the days of their separation they must be holy to the Lord. This was the meaning