Numbers 5:18

18. The woman before the Lord In Numbers 5:16 the offering was “before the Lord” when brought to the altar. The woman was “before the Lord” when, with her face toward the ark, where dwelt the Shekinah, she stood before the door of the tabernacle.

And uncover the woman’s head The Mishna prescribes that she be clothed in black, with a rope girded around her waist. It would seem from the text that her head was vailed, probably also in black. This uncovering seems to typify her removal from the protection of her husband, and her exposure to the wrath of God. It was necessary, also, that the vail be removed in order that the people might mark the woman, and note the Divine stroke upon her in the future if she were guilty. We cannot accept the statement that dishevelling the hair is all that is here meant. In the same Hebrew words Aaron is forbidden to uncover his head in mourning for his sons, Nadab and Abihu. Leviticus 10:6. The jealousy offering was to be in her hands until her oath had entitled her to have it burned upon the altar. The woman, holding her offering the priest, with the curse-water in his hand and the jealous husband, the priests, and people looking on, constitute a tableau vivant of deep and solemn interest.

The bitter water It was not bitter in its taste, but in its effects upon the guilty. The Septuagint reads, water of conviction.