Translations:What was the purpose of the Numbers 5 dusty(or "bitter") water test?/1/en
From Theonomy Wiki
The Num. 5 "dusty water" oath/sacrifice is one of YHWH's good laws which is often misrepresented. It mercifully allowed a wife to clear her name from slanderous accusations. The husband (as stated in the law: Num. 5:13) has no witnesses to the alleged adultery. He is likely acting upon a rumor -- the sort of rumor which is easy to start, and devastating to a woman's reputation, if believed. Biblical law allowed the innocent woman to refute such a falsehood with no risk to herself, and for the cost of a small food sacrifice of barley (Num. 5:15). This sort of public ceremony would not be undertaken lightly by a husband. It would be a big risk to his reputation, if he wasn't pretty sure of her guilt.
