The setting is the Bais Hamikdash. The Temple is crowded with Jews from all over Eretz Yisroel and beyond. Foreign visitors and dignitaries mix with the masses of pilgrims and petitioners. Kohanim and Leviyim purposefully move about directing the people and facilitating their devotional needs. All of a sudden a murmur runs through the crowd.
Conflicting emotions are apparent on most faces.
Embarrassment and fascination vie for dominance. Quickly the crowd gathers in front of the players. The angry husband, the defiant wife and the stern looking senior Kohain attempt to ignore the straining public. Turning to the couple the Kohain asks if they wish to proceed. It is clear that the Kohain wants the man to either withdraw his petition or for the woman to admit her guilt, rather than cause the name of G-d to be erased.