accuses her of shameful things, gives her a bad name, and says, “I took this woman, and when I came near to her, I didn’t find in her the tokens of virginity;”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 14. Name. Hebrew “and occasion reports against her to bring an evil name upon her,” ( Bible.) that he may not have to return her dowry. For, according to many of the Rabbins, he might give her a bill of divorce, simply if he did not like her. Seld. Uxor. iii. 1, and so forth—They allow the proof here specified, only with respect to a Hebrew woman between twelve and twelve and a half years old, during the period of her being espoused, but not taken home by her husband. The cause was to be tried before the 23 judges. Oftentimes only witnesses, probably matrons, were examined in defence of the woman. Josephus iv. 8. Saint Ambrose (ep. 8. 64. ad Syagr.) highly disapproves of such unsatisfactory methods. The marks assigned by the law were commonly observed in Syria, Persia, and so forth The Arab physicians speak of them. See Valesius, c. xxv. The age in which women were then married, the climate, and so forth caused these indications to be more clear, and deposed for or against the fidelity of the bride. The mother had them entrusted to her care by the friends of the husband, who had kept watch at the door on the wedding night. Menochius. Nachman, ap. Fagium.