Leviticus 11:3

You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.

Study Bible

You may eat any animal
This phrase introduces dietary laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing the distinction between clean and unclean animals. These laws were part of the covenant between God and Israel, setting them apart from other nations. The dietary restrictions served not only as a health measure but also as a means of spiritual discipline and identity.

that has a split hoof completely divided
The split hoof is a specific physical characteristic that distinguishes clean animals. This requirement is symbolic of separation and discernment, reflecting the need for the Israelites to be distinct in their conduct and worship. The divided hoof can also be seen as a metaphor for walking in righteousness, as believers are called to live lives that are set apart and holy.

and that chews the cud
Chewing the cud refers to the process of ruminating, where animals regurgitate and re-chew their food. This characteristic symbolizes meditation on God's Word, as believers are encouraged to continually reflect on and internalize Scripture. The act of ruminating can be likened to the spiritual practice of meditating on God's laws day and night, as seen in Psalm 1:2.

These dietary laws, while specific to the Old Covenant, foreshadow the spiritual purity and discernment required of believers under the New Covenant. They point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who declared all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19) and emphasized the importance of inner purity over external observance.

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 Levitical laws, including dietary regulations, as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3. Mount Sinai
The location where Moses received the laws from God, including the dietary laws found in Leviticus.

Teaching Points

Understanding Holiness
The dietary laws were part of God's call for Israel to be holy and distinct from other nations. Holiness involves obedience and separation unto God.

Symbolism of Clean and Unclean
The distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the separation between holy and unholy, teaching the Israelites about purity and God's standards.

Obedience to God's Commands
The dietary laws remind us of the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when we may not fully understand the reasons behind them.

New Covenant Freedom
In Christ, believers are no longer bound by the Old Testament dietary laws, as seen in Acts 10 and Mark 7. This freedom should be exercised with consideration for others' consciences.

Spiritual Discernment
Just as the Israelites were to discern between clean and unclean, Christians are called to discern between what is spiritually beneficial and what is not.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:3 reflect God's desire for Israel to be a distinct and holy nation?

2. In what ways do the principles behind the clean and unclean animals apply to our lives today, even though we are not bound by these dietary laws?

3. How does Peter's vision in Acts 10 change the understanding of clean and unclean animals for Christians?

4. What does Jesus' teaching in Mark 7 reveal about the nature of true defilement and purity?

5. How can we apply the principle of spiritual discernment in our daily choices, similar to how the Israelites discerned between clean and unclean animals?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 7
Discusses clean and unclean animals in the context of Noah's Ark, indicating an early understanding of these distinctions.

Deuteronomy 14
Reiterates the dietary laws, providing a parallel account to Leviticus 11.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions for Christians.

Mark 7
Jesus' teaching on what truly defiles a person, emphasizing the heart over dietary laws.