Joe: Alright, so let’s talk about Numbers 5. What’s going on in this chapter?

Bible Expert: Well Joe, Numbers 5 is all about how the Israelites were to handle issues of ritual uncleanness when they were in the wilderness.

Joe: What do you mean ritual uncleanness?

Bible Expert: Well, the Israelites were a very ritualistic people and they believed that certain activities and situations rendered a person “ritually unclean.” This could include things like touching a dead body, having an infectious skin disease, or engaging in sexual activity.

Joe: Got it, so what did they do about it?

Bible Expert: Well, for those who were found to be “ritually unclean” according to the law, there was a specific procedure that had to be followed. The person would be isolated from the rest of the camp, and they would have to bring a special offering to the priest.

Joe: Interesting. What kind of offering did they have to bring?

Bible Expert: It was usually a goat or a lamb, but in some cases, the offering could also be a fine flour offering. The offering was then given to the priest, who would then offer it up as a burnt offering.

Joe: Wow, that’s pretty intense. What happened after that?

Bible Expert: After the offering was made, the priest would then put the person under an oath of confession. This was known as a “confession of guilt” and was meant to symbolize the person’s repentance of their sins.

Joe: Right, got it. So what happened after that?

Bible Expert: After the confession of guilt, the priest would then pronounce a curse on the person. This curse was meant to be a symbol of God’s judgment and punishment for their sins.

Joe: Wow, that’s pretty heavy. So what was the purpose of all of this?

Bible Expert: The purpose was to restore the person to a state of cleanliness, both spiritually and physically. The ritual was meant to be a reminder to the Israelites of the importance of holiness and obedience to God’s law.