the ostrich
The ostrich is a large, flightless bird native to Africa and parts of the Middle East. In biblical times, it was known for its speed and size. The ostrich is mentioned in several other scriptures, such as Job 39:13-18, where its lack of wisdom is highlighted despite its impressive physical attributes. The ostrich's inclusion in the list of unclean birds may symbolize the importance of discernment and wisdom, as it is often associated with neglecting its young, contrasting with the care God shows for His creation.

the screech owl
The screech owl, often translated from the Hebrew word "tachmas," is a nocturnal bird known for its eerie calls. In ancient cultures, owls were often associated with desolation and ruin, as seen in Isaiah 34:11 and Jeremiah 50:39, where they inhabit desolate places. The screech owl's presence in the list of unclean animals may reflect its association with darkness and desolation, serving as a reminder of the spiritual desolation that comes from turning away from God's light.

the gull
The gull, a seabird commonly found along coastlines, is known for its scavenging behavior. In biblical times, gulls would have been familiar to those living near the Mediterranean Sea. Their inclusion as unclean may be due to their diet, which often includes carrion and refuse, symbolizing impurity and the need for spiritual cleanliness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between clean and unclean, as seen in Acts 10:14-15, where Peter learns that God has made all things clean through Christ.

any kind of hawk
Hawks are birds of prey known for their keen eyesight and hunting prowess. In the ancient Near East, they were admired for their strength and agility. However, their predatory nature and diet of other animals made them unclean according to Levitical law. This distinction emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and purity, as hawks symbolize the need to be watchful and discerning, akin to the call in 1 Peter 5:8 to be alert against spiritual adversaries.

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the law, during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

4. Clean and Unclean Animals
The broader context of Leviticus 11, which outlines dietary laws distinguishing between clean and unclean animals.

5. The Promised Land
The ultimate destination of the Israelites, where they were to live as a holy nation, set apart by God's laws.Understanding Holiness
The dietary laws, including the list of unclean birds, were given to teach the Israelites about holiness and being set apart for God. As Christians, we are called to live holy lives, distinct from the world.

Symbolism of Unclean Animals
The unclean birds, such as the owl and the gull, often symbolize desolation and scavenging. This can remind us to avoid spiritual desolation and to seek purity in our lives.

Fulfillment in Christ
While the dietary laws were specific to the Israelites, they point to a greater spiritual truth fulfilled in Christ. In Him, we find true cleanliness and holiness, transcending the old covenant's restrictions.

Discernment in Daily Life
Just as the Israelites had to discern between clean and unclean, Christians are called to discern what is spiritually beneficial and what is not, in our daily choices and actions.

Community and Identity
The dietary laws helped define the identity of the Israelite community. Similarly, our practices and values as Christians should reflect our identity in Christ and our belonging to His body, the Church.(16) And the owl.--Better, and the ostrich, as the Authorised Version rightly renders it in the margin in three out of the eight passages in which it occurs, viz., Job 30:29, Isaiah 34:13; Isaiah 43:20; literally, the daughter or inhabitant of the desert. The ostrich, which is the largest bird and the swiftest of all cursorial animals, was associated by the Hebrews with the terrors of the wilderness, and was regarded by the ancients as an unnatural hybrid, as a kind of half bird and half quadruped. It dwells amongst desolated places (Isaiah 13:21; Isaiah 34:13; Jeremiah 50:39), fills the air with its doleful and hideous wails (Micah 1:8) and cruelly neglects its eggs to be hatched by the sun or trodden down under foot (Lamentations 4:3; Job 39:17-18). Owing to its proverbial stupidity, this hybrid is selected with another monster to illustrate the abundant goodness of the Lord, by showing that even this creature will become sensible of gratitude and break forth into thanksgiving and praise (Isaiah 43:20). The flesh of the ostrich was eaten by the ancient Ethiopians, Indians, and other nations. The Romans regarded ostrich brains as a great delicacy. The ostrich occasionally devours fowls and other small vertebrates like a bird of prey, and tradition assures us that ostriches consumed the body of Agag. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


the ostrich,
בַּ֣ת (baṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

the night hawk,
הַתַּחְמָ֖ס (hat·taḥ·mās)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8464: A species of unclean bird, an owl

the gull,
הַשָּׁ֑חַף (haš·šā·ḥap̄)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7828: A sea mew, gull

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

any kind
לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃ (lə·mî·nê·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4327: A sort, species

of hawk;
הַנֵּ֖ץ (han·nêṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5322: A flower, a hawk


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OT Law: Leviticus 11:16 The horned owl the screech owl (Le Lv Lev.)