This is a chapter that at times makes strange reading being from a culture separated by millenniums. Upon defining clean and unclean animals the defining factors were its hoofs and its digestive system. For if an animal had a split hoof and chewed the cud it was deemed eatable, but if it only came under one of these categories, such as the coney, rabbit or pig, then it was classed as unclean.
In the case of aquatic creatures the defining factors were fins and scales so that any creature without these was defined as detestable.
Understandably birds of prey and scavengers were classed as unclean such as eagles, vultures, kites, owls, cormorant, osprey, hawks, stork, heron, hoopoe and bat.
I personally would not be partial to eating insects, but locusts, crickets and grasshoppers were said to be alright to eat, whereas other winged insects with 4 legs were taboo.
In all the cases of unclean creatures even contact with their carcasses rendered the person unclean until the evening and they had to wash their clothes.
Animals that move close to the ground were also deemed unclean such as the weasel, rat, mouse, lizards and chameleon, as were creatures that moved on their bellies such as snakes and worms.
God therefore requested strict obedience to this food code because the Israelites had to be holy as God is holy.
Parabéns
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful text, Pastor John! It inspires deep reflection on God and His Holiness. Just as He called Israel to live in holiness, He also calls us today to walk in His ways, setting ourselves apart and avoiding anything that could compromise His holiness in our lives. May we continually strive to reflect His character and live as vessels of His glory in this world.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful text, Pastor John! It inspires deep reflection on God and His Holiness. Just as He called Israel to live in holiness, He also calls us today to walk in His ways, setting ourselves apart and avoiding anything that could compromise His holiness in our lives. May we continually strive to reflect His character and live as vessels of His glory in this world.
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