Numbers 5:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Through the language of the curse, it becomes clear who was ‘under an oath’ as He was hung on a tree: ‘For it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree’ (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:23). Thus, Immanuel, being divine in essence, when He delves into the depths of human thought, will hold accountable those found guilty of sin through punishment, while He will cause the innocent to bear fruit; this implies a sense of being ‘impregnated with seed,’ as this physical condition symbolizes the soul's fertility. Palladius, you spoke wisely. Cyril, those who indulge in sexual immorality and the desires of the flesh corrupt their being and separate themselves from fellowship with God; for ‘they that live after the flesh cannot please God’ (Rom. 8:8). In this context, the flesh denotes the carnal mindset, and thus what is written can be properly understood.