Bible Discussion Thread

The first four verses involving touching the dead or a leper certainly can raise some controversy. It should be remembered that first of all there was a ceremonial uncleanness from such things which were not sin (although result from being in contact with a fallen world). Secondly; the fact that Naaman the Syrian was healed at a later date by the Prophet (Elijah or Elisha can't remember which); it stands to show a forerunner of sorts of Christ being able to cause healing to breach that gap with the Father.

Verses 5 through 10 show the law of restitution with a one fifth addition to payback. It also indicates how this transgression can be forgiven at that time when the party affected cannot be recompensed. It appears that is the "trespass" mentioned here; and certainly it would be fair to say that a reformed thief today should attempt to do the same sort of thing; at least for the base amount owed.

The rest of the chapter once again covers a theme quite commonplace in scripture; but not discussed much. The Lord would see fit; in that time for a test to determine when no obvious answer was evident as to whether a wife had cheated on her husband. For adultery; the death penalty was the law. This chapter shows how the Lord would disallow for childbearing in these circumstances with a curse. The innocent woman would not be affected. This is sort of an analogy to the book of Kings once again when the bitter poisonous water was made sweet. The truth surely comes out; and those who commit adultery are under a curse unless they get right with God; and that would include getting out of marriages considered such in scripture as well.