2,011. When It's Too Late to Decline

Hilchos Sotah 4:4

If a suspected woman declines to drink before the scroll containing God’s Name is blotted out, then the scroll is put away; it may not be used for another woman. Her flour offering is poured out on the ash pile. If she declines to drink after the scroll has been blotted out, then she is physically compelled to drink the water.

Hilchos Sotah 4:5

The woman is pressured to drink by being told, “If you know that you’re innocent, hold your ground and drink without fear. The water is like a medicinal powder placed on the skin. If there’s a wound, it will penetrate and be absorbed but if there’s no wound, it won’t do anything.”