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; Psa 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.