Definition: And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, [even] the memorial thereof, and burn [it] upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 5:26. It's a pretty specific ritual in the Old Testament that focuses on how to properly handle money and offerings. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a process for safely and properly burning off money and other offerings – particularly those given to God – at an altar. It's about ensuring the money doesn’t become tainted or misused. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the priest shall take an handful of the offering…” - This means the priest is responsible for gathering and counting the money offered. He needs to be careful and accurate. “[even] the memorial thereof” – This is a crucial phrase. "Memorial" in this context refers to something sacred or important, like a promise, a vow, or an offering made to God. It’s being preserved for remembrance. “and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.” - Now, this is where it gets interesting. The priest then instructs a woman (likely a servant) to drink the water that has been burned off. The water is considered holy and is meant to be consumed as part of the ritual. Putting it all together – What’s happening? This verse describes a cleansing process for money. It's a way to ensure the money isn’t used for things that aren't sacred or appropriate, and that its purpose remains focused on honoring God. Why was this done? The Bible says this practice was established because the priests were prone to taking bribes from people or being tempted by the wealth of the offering. This ritual helped maintain the integrity of the offerings and prevent corruption. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger system of law and rituals in ancient Israel, and it highlights the importance of trust, responsibility, and maintaining purity in religious practices. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Provide context about when this ritual was practiced? Offer a historical perspective on its purpose?