Weird Bible Rules That Many Didn't Know Existed

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Many take the Bible at face value, believing in Adam and Eve, Noah's ark, and Jesus' resurrection. However, even those who interpret the Bible literally often view Old Testament rules with some flexibility.

From a modern standpoint, Ranker shares that specific biblical laws may seem extreme or impractical. Yet, many Christians argue that several of these rules no longer apply after the New Testament and the New Covenant.

Examining ancient holy laws and rules can be interesting regardless of your beliefs. It can deepen your faith or help you understand the early stages of a major world religion better.

Piercing a Slave's Ear Who Refuses Freedom

Exodus, the Old Testament's second book, states about treating slaves: "But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life." (21:5-6,NIV)

The meaning of this passage is confusing. Commentaries suggest this mark indicated permanent servitude and the loss of freedman rights. Opinions differ on whether this was the slave's choice or punishment for rejecting freedom.

Suspected Adulterous Women Drinking Dirty Water

The Bible's book of Numbers (Numbers 5:11-31, NIV) outlines a controversial test for suspected adulteresses. It involves a priest mixing holy water with tabernacle floor dust in a clay jar.

The woman drinks this concoction, which is said to cause abdominal swelling or miscarriage if she's guilty. Scholars debate whether this ritual was meant to induce abortion or pressure confessions. Either way, it's clear the practice involved drinking an unusual mixture.

Menstruation and Uncleanliness

Leviticus 15:19-33 (KJV) sets strict rules about menstruating women. For seven days, they're considered "unclean," and anyone touching them becomes unclean until evening. Objects they lie or sit on are also deemed unclean.

Those who touch a menstruating woman's bed must wash their clothes, bathe, and remain unclean until evening.

These biblical rules might seem strange today but reflect ancient beliefs and practices. The menstruation laws likely stemmed from ideas about ritual purity, and the clothing restriction could have had practical or symbolic reasons.

Clothing Restrictions

Leviticus 19:19 (KJV) presents an odd clothing rule: "Keep my decrees. Do not mate with different kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material."

The meaning behind this law is debated. Some believe it's because wool and linen were reserved for priests. Others suggest mixing these fabrics could cause health issues like fevers or weakness.

Many Christians today don't literally follow these Old Testament rules. They often view them as part of an older covenant, replaced by Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. However, studying these ancient laws can provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the Bible.

Confusing Rules About Theft

Exodus 22:2-3 (NIV) says, "If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed."

This passage highlights a key difference: killing a burglar at night is likely self-defense, but doing so during the day misses a chance to catch the thief. People believed nighttime break-ins suggested "deadly intent," making it okay to "spill the burglar's blood."

The law also required thieves to make total repayments. If they couldn't pay, they were sold to cover their theft.

What do you think about these Biblical rules? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments section below. Remember to follow me to read more of my content.