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The Mishna stated: When the amount of murderers increased, the rite of the eglah arufah was abolished. The Gemora cites a braisa: When the amount of murderers increased, the rite of the eglah arufah was abolished, because it is only performed in a case of doubt; but when murderers increased openly, the rite of the eglah arufah was discontinued (because we probably know who committed the murder).
The Mishna had stated: When the amount of adulterers increased, the bitter water of the sotah was discontinued. The Gemora cites a braisa: The bitter waters of the sotah will only examine her if the husband is free from any sin (involving illicit relations); however, if he is not free of sin, the waters will not examine her.
We examine Philo’s interpretation of the Sotah ritual and Adreana Destro’s work on the historical background.