“Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy.”
— Ephesians 5:25-26
The book of Numbers, often seen as a collection of laws and regulations, contains deep spiritual truths that foreshadow Christ’s work for His people. Numbers 5:1-31 presents a peculiar ritual—the test for an unfaithful wife. While on the surface it may seem like an ancient, legalistic ordeal, this passage prophetically points to Jesus, the One who purifies His Bride, the Church.
The Test of the Unfaithful Wife (Numbers 5:11-31)
In ancient Israel, if a husband suspected his wife of unfaithfulness but lacked proof, God provided a way to reveal the truth. The woman would drink “bitter water” mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor and ink from a written curse. If she was guilty, the water would bring judgment; if innocent, she would remain unharmed.
At first glance, this ritual appears harsh, but it actually highlights a deeper reality: God’s desire for His people to be pure and holy before Him.
The Church as the Bride of Christ
Scripture repeatedly portrays God’s people as His Bride. Israel was often called God’s wife (Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 2:19), and in the New Testament, the Church is the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7). Just as the test in Numbers 5 was meant to expose unfaithfulness, Jesus came to purify His people, revealing their spiritual condition and providing the only way for cleansing.
Jesus, the One Who Drinks the Bitter Cup
The most beautiful fulfillment of Numbers 5 is seen in Jesus Himself. Rather than making His Bride drink the bitter water of judgment, Jesus drank it in her place.
- In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
- On the cross, He was offered bitter wine (Matthew 27:34), symbolizing His willingness to take the curse of sin upon Himself.
- He bore the full judgment we deserved so that we could be made pure and holy in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus Cleanses and Restores His Bride
Unlike the temporary purification rituals in the Old Testament, Jesus provides a once-for-all cleansing through His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). Paul confirms this when he says:
“Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Jesus did not come to condemn His Bride but to sanctify her. He purifies us through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and His atoning blood.
The Final Wedding Feast
The ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s purification will be seen at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9), where His Bride, the Church, will be fully prepared, spotless, and radiant in His presence.
Conclusion: Jesus is Our Perfect Bridegroom
The test of the unfaithful wife in Numbers 5 was a shadow of something greater. Jesus, the perfect Bridegroom, does not merely test His Bride—He takes her guilt upon Himself, drinks the cup of judgment, and cleanses her to make her spotless.
As believers, we can rejoice that we are not left to our sin. We have a Bridegroom who purifies, redeems, and loves us with an everlasting love.
Let us live as His purified Bride, eagerly awaiting the day when we will be united with Him forever.
