Me neither.
I just got an email at work letting me know that an old Bible Study Magazine (BSM) article I wrote on the ritual for detecting adultery was re-run on the BSM blog today. It’s entitled, “Love Potion: Numbers 5.”
Yes, it’s a cheesy title. But BSM pieces are supposed to be short (I usually get 600 words, but some are almost 1000) and directed at the average church-goer.
This essay also appears in my book, I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible
Looks like another good sermon text to look at!
Always good to give them more OT!
Dr. Heiser,
I just finish the “I Dare” book and it is eye-opening. Thank you for your challenges and works. I enjoy reading it (and again). Can’t wait for your 2 new books – looking forward to it.
Great to hear! Put a review on Amazon, please.
This was one of my favorite articles in your book.
I’ve read speculation before that this is what Jesus was doing in the pericope adulterae when he was writing on the ground. He was doing the ritual himself as both priest and God. It would make sense given John’s higher Christology (but does the story even belong in John).
I’m curious if you think it’s legitimate.
I think the best that can be said is that he did something that may have reminded them of Numbers 5, but any explanation is speculative.
I love the title. I have also given the exact explanation about this ritual to friends of mine. I guess this means we both think alike :D.
Anyways, I have sometimes thought about the aftermath. So she doesn’t die, but wouldn’t her husband beat the living daylights out of her as soon as he gets home?
I suppose that could happen, but given the result of the test, if word got out in the community he’d have been in trouble for being unjust. Having been vindicated by God and innocent of the accusation, I doubt that would be his reaction.
You should add a books section to the menu for your website.
Describe what you mean – recommended books? If so, I had that on the old site. The link to recommended books still lives on PaleoBabble and UFO Religons (right-hand side = “Library”). But for some reason, my recommended books aren’t showing for Naked Bible.
If you mean something else, let me know.