Rambam - Sefer HaMitzvos: Positive Mitzvot 223;<br>Negative Mitzvah 104: Positive Mitzvot 223; Negative Mitzvah 104

Positive Mitzvah 223: The Suspected Woman
Numbers 5:12 "If any man's wife is suspected of committing adultery"

If a woman is suspected of behavior unfit for a married woman, she is called a Sotah. The Torah provides a way of dealing with the matter.

This Positive Mitzvah details the procedure that must be followed.

Negative Mitzvah 104: We are forbidden to pour olive oil on the meal-offering of a "Sotah"
Numbers 5:15 "He shall pour no oil upon it"

This Negative Mitzvah applies to the meal-offering of a Sotah (see Positive Mitzvah 223).

A "Sotah" is a woman who is suspected of not being faithful to her husband. The Torah requires that she and her husband go to the priest and bring a sacrifice.

Since this is a sacrifice that is connected with a possible sin, it consists of plain barley flour with nothing else added. No oil may be poured over this offering.

Sometimes you see that things have been taken out of your hands and are following a supernatural order. At this point, just do your best at what you have to do -- and stay out of G-d's way.

From: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman - tzvif@aol.com