Num 5:18 | JFB | STEP | 17, 18. the priest shall take holy water —Water from the laver, which was to be mixed with dust—an emblem of vileness and misery ( ). in an earthen vessel —This fragile ware was chosen because, after being used, it was broken in pieces ( ). All the circumstances of this awful ceremony—her being placed with her face toward the ark—her uncovered head, a sign of her being deprived of the protection of her husband ( ) —the bitter potion being put into her hands preparatory to an appeal to God—the solemn adjuration of the priest ( ), all were calculated in no common degree to excite and appall the imagination of a person conscious of guilt.

Numbers 5:18

17, 18. the priest shall take holy water—Water from the laver, which was to be mixed with dust—an emblem of vileness and misery (Ge 3:14; Ps 22:15).

in an earthen vessel—This fragile ware was chosen because, after being used, it was broken in pieces (Le 6:28; 11:33). All the circumstances of this awful ceremony—her being placed with her face toward the ark—her uncovered head, a sign of her being deprived of the protection of her husband (1Co 11:7) —the bitter potion being put into her hands preparatory to an appeal to God—the solemn adjuration of the priest (Nu 5:19-22), all were calculated in no common degree to excite and appall the imagination of a person conscious of guilt.