Ordeal of the bitter water

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The bitter-water ordeal belongs to the relatively rare category of tests by poisonous concoctions and potions, and is described in the Bible in the book of Numbers, chapter five.

The issue concerns a married woman who lies with another man where there are no witnesses to the act. The text does not specify whether some kind of evidence of adultery is required in order to administer the ordeal, or whether a jealous husband can demand the ordeal on mere suspicion.

Some verses in this chapter state that the ordeal ought to take place if the husband is overcome by a “spirit of jealousy . . . and he is jealous of his wife.” In these verses it appears as though the husband’s jealousy suffices in order for the bitter-water ritual to be applied to the wife. However, the description of the whole case begins in verses twelve to thirteen with the words: “If any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him, if a man has had intercourse with her. . . .” This statement makes it seem as though one were dealing with a known and proven fact.

Jewish scholars have rejected a broad interpretation of the husband’s right to demand that his wife undergo divine ordeal, presumably because they considered it dangerous and humiliating for the accused. Consequently, Jewish law interprets the term “jealousy” as a warning of the husband to his wife, made in front of witnesses, not to be confined alone with a particular man. If the wife then disobeys the warning, the husband is entitled to demand the ordeal.

Numbers chapter five provides a detailed description of the bitter-water ordeal. The ritual begins with the husband bringing his wife and an offering of barley to the tabernacle. The priest offers up the sacrificial barley, then takes holy water and mixes it with dust from the floor of the tabernacle. He uncovers the woman’s hair and charges her with an “imprecatory oath,” effectively cursing her if she committed the sin. The woman must then drink the “bitter water.” If her belly swells, it is a sign she is guilty and “shall be cursed,” whereas if the water has no effect, she is considered pure.

The law prescribes no sanction against the husband if the wife withstands the ordeal so that the suspicion proves to be unfounded.