Definition: Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth [part] of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it [is] an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 5:15. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about how to offer sacrifices in the Old Testament. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific ritual – an offering – that had a very serious purpose. It’s essentially saying, “This offering isn’t just about giving money; it’s about acknowledging and dealing with sin.” Let's unpack the parts: “Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest…” This means a man (often a leader or someone in authority) is being asked to present his wife before a priest. It’s a formal act of reverence and accountability. “…and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth [part] of an ephah of barley meal…” This is crucial. Ephah: This was a large container – think of it as a huge sack or barrel used for storing grain. A full ephah (about 12 cubits) was a significant amount of grain. The tenth [part]: This means half of the entire ephah. So, the man is offering 10/12 of the total amount of barley. “He shall bring her offering for her, the tenth [part] of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon…” This clarifies exactly what’s being offered: No Oil or Frankincense: This is a key point. The offering isn't meant to be decorated with precious materials like oil or incense – it's about acknowledging the consequence of wrong behavior. Pour no oil upon it: This suggests that the offering will be presented in a way that highlights the seriousness of what’s being offered - it won’t be seen as a celebration. “For it [is] an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.” This is where it gets more profound. The verse says this offering isn't simply about gratitude; it has a purpose . It’s designed to remind people of the consequences of their actions – specifically, the negative effects of sin and wrongdoing. It's a way to bring the idea that we are accountable for our choices. In short, this verse is teaching us: Serious Ritual: Offering is a sacred act with deep meaning. Acknowledging Consequences: It’s a way to remember that our actions have repercussions and that we need to be aware of them. A Reminder of Justice: It's about justice – acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking accountability. Why is this important in the Old Testament? This practice was part of a larger system of worship designed to remind people of God’s judgment and the importance of living righteously. It highlights that while we can praise God, we also need to deal with our mistakes and understand what it means to be righteous. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give a real-world example of how this principle might be applied today?