Leviticus 11:22

Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper.

Study Bible

Of these you may eat
This phrase indicates a specific allowance within the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The dietary laws in Leviticus were part of the covenant between God and Israel, setting them apart as a holy nation. The permission to eat certain insects highlights the detailed nature of these laws and God's concern for the daily lives of His people. It also reflects the practical aspects of survival in the wilderness, where protein sources were limited.

any kind of locust,
Locusts were a common food source in the ancient Near East, especially in arid regions where other food might be scarce. They are rich in protein and were considered a delicacy in some cultures. The allowance to eat locusts is significant because it shows a distinction between clean and unclean insects, emphasizing God's provision and care for His people. In the New Testament, John the Baptist is noted for eating locusts and wild honey, which connects to this provision and highlights his ascetic lifestyle.

katydid,
The katydid, like the locust, is a type of grasshopper. Its inclusion in the list of permissible insects underscores the broader category of clean insects that hop on the ground. This reflects the importance of distinguishing between different types of creatures, a theme prevalent in Leviticus. The katydid's mention also points to the diversity of God's creation and His sovereignty over it.

cricket,
Crickets, another type of hopping insect, were also considered clean. This inclusion further illustrates the detailed nature of the dietary laws. The cricket's mention may also serve as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God's guidance for their sustenance. The emphasis on specific insects highlights the broader principle of obedience to God's commands, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

or grasshopper.
Grasshoppers, like locusts, were a familiar and accessible food source. Their inclusion in the list of clean insects reinforces the idea of God's provision and the practical aspects of the dietary laws. Grasshoppers are often associated with abundance and provision in the Bible, as seen in the story of the plagues in Egypt, where locusts were used as a tool of judgment. This connection underscores the dual nature of God's creation as both a source of sustenance and a means of discipline.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The recipients of the dietary laws, who were called to be a holy nation set apart for God.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including dietary regulations.

4. Locusts, Katydids, Crickets, Grasshoppers
Specific insects mentioned as permissible for consumption under the dietary laws.

Teaching Points

Understanding Holiness
The dietary laws were part of God's call for Israel to be holy and distinct. Holiness involves obedience and separation from practices that are not aligned with God's will.

God's Provision
The allowance of certain insects for consumption highlights God's provision and care for His people, even in the details of their diet.

Symbolism of Purity
The distinction between clean and unclean foods symbolizes the broader spiritual truth of purity and impurity in our lives.

Cultural Context
Recognize the cultural and historical context of these laws, which were specific to the Israelites and their covenant with God.

New Covenant Understanding
In Christ, the focus shifts from external adherence to dietary laws to internal purity and righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:22 reflect God's desire for His people to be set apart?

2. In what ways does the provision of permissible insects demonstrate God's care for the Israelites' needs?

3. How does the New Testament reinterpret the concept of clean and unclean foods, and what does this mean for Christians today?

4. What can we learn from the dietary laws about the importance of obedience and holiness in our own lives?

5. How can understanding the cultural context of Leviticus 11:22 help us apply its principles to our modern-day faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 16
Discusses the provision of manna and quail, showing God's provision and the importance of dietary laws in Israel's history.

Matthew 3:4
Describes John the Baptist eating locusts, connecting Old Testament dietary laws to New Testament practices.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, illustrating the shift in dietary laws with the New Covenant.

Mark 7:18-19
Jesus declares all foods clean, indicating a deeper understanding of purity beyond dietary restrictions.