Living Biblically

Interpretation of the Bible

living biblically

You shall not wear combined fibers, wool and linen together.

Deuteronomy 22:11

Clothes make the (wo)man. Or in the case of living biblically, clothes that are made from pure fabrics are a must when selecting wardrobe.

Many religious followers live by the bible through their clothing. Not mixing wool and linen is specifically mentioned in the bible without much explanation.

Yet that doesn't stop a flow of ideas as to the meaning of this prohibition. One theory stems from the story of Cain and Abel. Abel brought an offering of sheep (wool) to God and Abel offered God flax (source of linen). Mixing fibers didn't work out for the feuding brothers, and literal believers figure it probably won't work for them either.

What is Work on the Sabbath?

woman praying with bible

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest.

Exodus 24:21

Sitting down to do your business on the Sabbath is a no-brainer for most people. But for some who are living biblically, they're not taking any chances when it comes to the commandment to rest from work on the seventh day.

Tearing toilet paper off the roll is considered labor to the most observant Bible follower. Exodus 24:21 is the reason some people only use toilet paper that's been previously torn, or that which comes in sheets. No tearing to clean what's left behind!

Biblically Wired

living biblically

This is what the Lord says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 17:21

Let no man leave (go out) his place on the seventh day.

Exodus 16:29

In many communities where people live biblically, they "wire" their neighborhood. We're not talking about the Internet. The Hebrew word is "eruv" which means to construct a symbolic border. Thin wire is used to connect existing telephone poles and fences where there are gaps.

By enclosing a large area covering many miles, a ritual community home is formed. The bible is interpreted as meaning it's OK to carry and travel on the Sabbath if you're within your home.

The eruv gives the devout follower freedom to go to a house of worship, carry ritual items, push a buggy and other activities that would be otherwise forbidden.