Life for ordinary people in biblical times was challenging and demanding. Most people were farmers, working long hours in the fields to produce enough food for their families. They lived in small villages or towns, with limited access to education and healthcare. The social hierarchy was rigid, with a small elite of wealthy landowners and merchants at the top, and the majority of people living in poverty. Women were generally subservient to men, with few rights or opportunities. Religious beliefs and practices played a central role in everyday life, with people often turning to prayer and rituals for guidance and comfort.