He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 24. Up. Hebrew “and the water, which causeth the malediction, shall enter into her, bitter.” According to Josephus, the jealous husband threw first a handful of the gomer of barley flour, upon the altar, and gave the rest to the priest; and after the other ceremonies were finished, the woman drunk the water, and either had a son within ten months, or died with the marks of infamy. B. iii. 11. Edit. Bern. Some Rabbins say she became livid and rotten, though she might linger on part of the year. Sotæ iii. But if she proved innocent, she acquired fresh beauty and health, and was delivered with ease of a son. Maimon. Bible.