<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Fr. Walter Snyder Q: Does Numbers 5:11-31 cast the Lord God Almighty as condoning and sanctioning an abortion for a woman caught in adultery? Our Bible class talked about this passage at length and said, "Yes, God probably did sanction abortion, but we are never to take God's place, in the same way that he sanctioned the murder of Isaac at the hand of Abraham (as a test)." Regardless, I would like your thoughts on that troubling passage. A: This section is rather long to quote in its entirety. However, after reading it in the Hebrew and in several translations, I find no direct reference to abortion. Rather, this was simply a test of fidelity, regardless of whether or not the wife was pregnant. A curse was added for one found to have committed adultery. The affliction mentioned for the one found to be unfaithful is not specifically directed at a possible current pregnancy as much as it was a perpetual inability to bear children. This was one of the worst things that could befall a woman of the ancient Near East. A woman who lost her husband and didn't have children would have no "social security" or "retirement plan" when she was too old or infirm to take care of herself. Indeed, even before old age, she would be subject to the whims of others, since a major reason for having children was to do the work necessary for physical support. And if married, much of her "worth" to husband and community was tied up with ability to bear children to do the family's work. This is still the norm in those parts of the world where low-tech agriculture is practiced. Also, and of special importance to a woman of God's Covenant People, one so afflicted would be removed from any possibility of bearing the Messiah or of being one of his ancestors. Granted, not every Israelite thought of this all the time, but the joy of having a boy-child often had religious overtones, even as Eve attached special meaning to the birth of Cain. Along with children and childbearing, marital fidelity was itself important to Israel. Adultery was not only hurtful to family relationships. It was seen as damaging to the entire people of Israel, as well as a horrible sin in the eyes of God. Thus, accusations of adultery had serious repercussions throughout Hebrew life. Such testing as prescribed in Numbers 5 sounds harsh to the modern reader. At the time, however, it was a sign of God's mercy as he protected the women who were without the rights and privileges we take for granted. Such a test, carried out by God's representatives in the priesthood, protected women from husbands who may have been jealous without cause. A woman was defended against a slanderous accusation of adultery. As for the rest of the class's reasoning, God didn't sanction the murder of Isaac. Rather, he stayed the hand of Abraham. There are many times when the Lord did command death and allowed it to happen. The inhabitants of Canaan and certain types of sinners within Israel come immediately to mind. The former was because they were steeped in idolatry and evil and would pervert the faith of Israel. The latter was because the offenses were so horrible in the sight of God and of Israel and because they would be a cancer within the body of God's people if allowed to stay. So here, the results of the judgment concerned the woman and her relationship with her husband. It was possible that an unborn child of an adulterous union might miscarry. However, that didn't make the priest or all of Israel guilty of abortion. What happened was the consequence of God's will and his judgment upon sinful behavior. It was more akin to the death of David's first child with Bathsheba--the one conceived during his adulterous relationship that led to Uriah's murder (2 Samuel 11-12). Such a death was not the result of a human decision to end the life of an unborn child but rather came from God's punishment of wickedness and his desire that evil not be rewarded with positive fruits. In actuality, you could also say that the sinful parties brought the death of their child by the illicit union upon themselves. God did not then nor does he now desire the death of children. Even an adult, hardened criminal's death is not pleasing to him--although his Old Testament Law and the laws of legitimate governments allow it. Worse, however, is eternal death--suffering forever in hell. Yet even those who face earthly death as the result of their sins are forgiven and received into heaven when they repent and trust in their Savior Jesus Christ. That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in asper and Woodville, Texas and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.