Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Judicial method for determining the validity of an accusation. It usually involved the infliction of a painful physical test upon the suspected person; if the victim emerged unscathed it was supposedly a sign of supernatural intervention and (in Jewish law) was seen as proof of innocence. In biblical times the test of bitter waters was imposed by the priest upon a “sotah” (a married woman suspected of adultery) (Numbers 5.11–31). In a ceremony involving a meal offering and ritual curses, a mixture of holy water and dust was administered to the woman; if her flesh swelled and became diseased she was guilty, but if she was unharmed she was innocent. This practice was eventually abolished by Johanan ben Zakkai. ... log in or subscribe to read full text