Bartlet Tests Jhin-Wei's Faith with Biblical Shibboleth

In the Oval Office, President Bartlet confronts Chinese refugee Jhin-Wei, a chemistry professor and evangelical, with a shibboleth test from Judges 12 to verify authentic faith against INS suspicions of coached persecution claims. Recounting the Gileadite-Ephraimite story, Bartlet challenges Jhin-Wei to pronounce 'shibboleth' correctly; he succeeds flawlessly, eloquently affirming his beliefs. This revelation of genuine conviction empowers Bartlet to grant asylum to the shipload of evangelicals, a turning point balancing mercy against Chinese repatriation demands and revealing his erudition, moral resolve, and leadership amid diplomatic peril.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

President Bartlet tests the faith of Chinese evangelicals with a biblical shibboleth to determine their legitimacy for asylum, balancing mercy against diplomatic repercussions.

skepticism to conviction ['Oval Office']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

No character participations recorded

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

White House Mess

The White House frames the climactic Oval Office confrontation as its majestic overhead exterior shot establishes the seat of power, transitioning inward to host Bartlet's shibboleth test; its grand columns and brooding presence amplify the gravity of faith-testing amid refugee crisis, symbolizing American resolve clashing with diplomatic tempests.

Atmosphere Weighty authority under daylight skies, charged with moral urgency and institutional hush.

Function primary setting for intimate presidential interrogation and asylum decision

Symbolism Embodiment of executive power balancing mercy against international fury

Access Highly restricted to President, key advisor, and vetted refugee; INS and staff peripheral

Overhead aerial sweep plunging over facades Clear daytime skies with Tuesday timeline overlay emphasizing crisis momentum

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 2

Causal

"The arrival of the Chinese refugees initiates Bartlet's moral and diplomatic dilemma, leading to the shibboleth test."

Leo Urgently Briefed on Stowaway Crisis, Orders C.J. Alert

S2E8 · Shibboleth

Causal

"The arrival of the Chinese refugees initiates Bartlet's moral and diplomatic dilemma, leading to the shibboleth test."

Josh Briefs C.J. on Refugee Crisis and Toby's Prayer Fight Gambit

S2E8 · Shibboleth

Key Dialogue

"BARTLET: "There's a story in the Book of Judges. The Ephraimites... they asked them to say 'shibboleth.' The Ephraimites couldn't do it right. Jhin-Wei, say 'shibboleth.'""

"JHIN-WEI: "Shibboleth.""

"BARTLET: "God bless you, Jhin-Wei. You're welcome here. America is going to grant asylum to you and everyone on that ship.""