Biblical Rules That Most People Didn’t Know Existed

Some of these are kind of shocking…

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, 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.