Biblical Rules That Most People 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. Yet even those who interpret Scripture literally often view Old Testament rules with some flexibility.

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

Regardless of your beliefs, examining ancient holy laws and rules is intriguing. It can deepen your faith or help you better understand the early stages of a major world religion.

Piercing a Slave's Ear Who Refuses Freedom

Exodus, the Old Testament's second book, states: "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)

Meaning: Commentaries suggest this mark indicated permanent servitude and the loss of freedman rights. Opinions differ on whether this was the slave's choice or a punishment for rejecting freedom.

Suspected Adulterous Women Drinking Dirty Water

The Bible's book of Numbers describes a test for unfaithful wives. It states, "If a man suspects his wife of cheating, and it's hidden from him... the priest shall take holy water in a clay pot and mix in dust from the tabernacle floor... Then the priest shall make the woman swear and say... 'May this cursed water enter your body, causing your belly to swell or your womb to miscarry.'" (5:11-31, paraphrased)

Meaning: Some interpret this as inducing abortion, while others see it as pressuring a confession. Either way, the accused woman had to drink a mix of holy water and floor dust.

Self-Defense vs. Theft

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

What it means: This law distinguishes between nighttime and daytime break-ins. Killing a burglar at night was seen as self-defense while doing so during the day was considered unnecessary.

People believed nighttime intruders might have "deadly intent," justifying the use of force. Daytime burglaries, however, offered a chance to identify and catch the thief without violence.

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