Leviticus 11 Commentary; Dietary Laws
We come to Chapter 11 knowing that the LORD God had given humanity all the animals for food. Genesis is very clear on this one.
As we look at the dietary menu, we appreciate the message being communicated. The list of creatures is long: Animals, fish, birds, insects, and general reptiles.
From each category above, we have selected creatures that could be eaten and those that could not be eaten.
The general observation is that animals that are dirty in nature or eat dirty things are dropped from the menu as they represent uncleanness.
The creatures that don’t have an appealing structure or face are excluded from the menu. The birds of prey and carnivals are also dropped from the menu. You will also notice that both habitation and animal behavior are factors for this exam.
The point seems to be this: humanity should distance itself from sin. The rule list should remind him of things that the LORD God hates. Just like associating with a dead unclean animal makes one unclean, associating with sin makes the saint dirty.
A bat mostly lives in darkness. Humanity must hate “works of darkness”.
A vulture is a scavenger, feeding on dead animals. They do not represent the cleanliness desired by the LORD.
The eagle and the lion make a living by killing. They survive by terminating another’s life. Man is to be reminded of the need to preserve and respect life.
These are like visual teaching aids. Very powerful teaching aids indeed! A man must not survive at the expense of someone’s life.
We may suspect hygiene reasons in some of the rules. But the general principle is that there is a reason for these symbols which are still important today. In the New Testament, while any meat could be eaten, believers were specifically discouraged from eating meat sacrificed to idols.
The principle is the same; don’t associate with wickedness.
All creatures that move on their bellies must not be eaten. We easily understand the reason!
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 