Leviticus 11:46

This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground.

Study Bible

This is the law regarding animals
The laws concerning animals in Leviticus 11 are part of the Holiness Code, which outlines how the Israelites were to live as a people set apart for God. These dietary laws distinguished clean from unclean animals, serving as a daily reminder of their covenant relationship with God. The distinction between clean and unclean animals is also seen in Genesis 7, where Noah is instructed to take clean animals by sevens and unclean by twos into the ark. This separation underscores the theme of holiness and purity that runs throughout the Old Testament.

birds
Birds are included in the dietary laws, with specific species listed as unclean. The prohibition against eating certain birds may have been due to their scavenging nature, which could symbolize impurity. Birds like eagles, vultures, and ravens are mentioned as unclean, possibly because they feed on carrion. In the New Testament, Jesus uses birds as examples of God's provision (Matthew 6:26), showing a shift from dietary restrictions to spiritual lessons.

all living creatures that move in the water
The laws extend to aquatic life, with only those having fins and scales deemed clean. This would exclude shellfish and other sea creatures, which were common in the diets of surrounding nations. The restriction may have served to protect the Israelites from health risks associated with consuming certain types of seafood. The emphasis on fins and scales can be seen as a metaphor for discernment and separation, qualities that are spiritually significant in the life of a believer.

and all creatures that crawl along the ground
This includes insects and other small creatures, many of which are declared unclean. The prohibition against eating creatures that crawl on the ground may symbolize the need to avoid things that are lowly or base. In a broader sense, it reflects the call to rise above earthly desires and live a life of holiness. The New Testament reiterates the importance of spiritual cleanliness, as seen in Peter's vision in Acts 10, where God declares all foods clean, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith.

These dietary laws, while specific to the Israelites, point to a greater spiritual truth about living a life set apart for God. They foreshadow the ultimate purity and holiness found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers a new covenant based on grace and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including dietary laws.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom these laws were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

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

4. Clean and Unclean Animals
Categories of animals defined by God to guide the Israelites in their dietary practices.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received these laws during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Holiness
The dietary laws were given to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. They remind us of God's holiness and our call to live distinct lives.

Obedience and Trust
Following God's commands, even when they seem difficult or unclear, is an act of trust and obedience. This principle applies to all areas of our lives.

Symbolism of Purity
The distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the importance of spiritual purity and separation from sin.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus fulfilled the law, including dietary restrictions, allowing us to focus on the heart's condition rather than external observance.

Community and Consideration
While we have freedom in Christ, we should be considerate of others' convictions and seek unity within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:46 reflect God's desire for His people to be set apart?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of holiness in our daily lives, beyond dietary restrictions?

3. How does the New Testament teaching on food and purity (e.g., Acts 10, Mark 7) influence our understanding of Leviticus 11:46?

4. What are some modern-day "clean" and "unclean" practices that Christians might encounter, and how should we approach them?

5. How can we balance our freedom in Christ with the responsibility to love and respect the convictions of others in our community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:24-25
This passage describes God's creation of animals, establishing His authority over all living creatures, which is foundational to understanding the dietary laws.

Acts 10:9-16
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions for Christians, showing the fulfillment of the law in Christ.

Mark 7:18-19
Jesus declares all foods clean, indicating a shift from the Old Testament dietary laws to a focus on spiritual purity.

Romans 14:14-20
Paul discusses the freedom Christians have regarding food, emphasizing love and consideration for others over strict adherence to dietary laws.