Leviticus 11
-This section jumps back into instructions for the people
after a short narrative break in chapter ten. Chapter eleven gives the children
of Israel dietary restrictions for the health and holiness of their nation
(Leviticus 11:45-47). From this list we can discern foods that are good for us to
eat from the animal kingdom. These include the cud chewing animals that divide
the hoof: cows, sheep (lamb), goats, deer, to name some. Winged animals that
are not scavengers, which include chickens, pheasants, quail, turkeys, and the like.
Fish with fins and scales are fine to devour, which include catfish, salmon, grouper,
tilapia, sharks, as well as many others. Insects are permitted to be consumed
too, as long as they have “jointed legs with which to jump on the earth
(Leviticus 11:21).” Among those listed are “the locust in its kinds, the
cricket in its kinds, and the grasshopper in its kinds (Leviticus 11:22).” That’s
an impressive list to choose from and should keep us satisfied.
-However, there were some foods declared unclean and
outlawed from consumption. The animals that did not both divide the hoof and
chew the cud were restricted. These include the camel, the shaphan (rock
badger, coney), the rabbit, and the pig (swine). In the sea and rivers, crustaceans
and anything else without fins or scales was outlawed. So long lobster,
crawfish, and crab meat, and oysters for example. Scavenger birds and predators
are negated. These involve by list: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the
kite, the falcon, the raven, the ostrich, the owl, the sea gull, the hawk, the
cormorant, the pelican, the stork, the heron, the hoopoe, and the bat. Swarming
things (reptiles and rodents) and insects that are winged and walk on all fours
were to be detested and declared unclean. Also, whatever walks on its paws,
like felines and canines, were abominable to eat for food.
-Details were given to wash away uncleanness when carcasses
of these unlawful animals, and even some live ones, were touched or came in
contact with various things. The point was to consecrate themselves holy before
the LORD in His desires for cleanness. God makes distinction in these matters for
good reason.
-*Application* Good science also supports the clean verses
the unclean designations for animals that can and cannot be eaten. God knows
the make-up of man and what he needs for nutrition and longevity. He is great
and completely loving to give us these food laws for soundness and well-being. Applying
these rules, even though they were relaxed with Christ Jesus’ greater understanding
in the New Testament dispensation (Mark 7:18-19, Acts 10; 15), help us to avoid
contamination and corruption in our physical bodies. Any study that you want to
examine will verify that the following of these eating patterns produces the
healthiest way to live. Why question God? He’s got all the answers from the get
go.
Verses to Memorize:
Leviticus 11:45-47
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