ABSTRACT
This chapter examines mainly on some similarities between legal interpretation and theological or religious interpretation but highlight some aspects of literary interpretation as well. Modern freedom of religion does not only encompass the freedom to have a religion and the free exercise of it, but also the right to change a religion for another and even relinquish all religions. This chapter highlights the position of freedom of religion in the Bible, more especially in the books Deuteronomy, Judges and Numbers. Every religion tries to keep its flock together and so does the Jewish religion. Modern constitutions and treaties on human rights proclaim the freedom of religion. That freedom also comprises the freedom to reject one specific religion or relinquish all religions. The people of Israel are expected to serve one God and one God only: the Lord. In the Ten Commandments this is put thus: 'You shall have no gods before me'.
