Topical Encyclopedia The term "sea-mew" refers to a type of seabird, commonly identified with the gull, which is mentioned in the context of dietary laws in the Old Testament. The sea-mew is included among the unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. This classification is found in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where various birds are listed as detestable and not to be consumed by the people of Israel.Biblical References: · Leviticus 11:16-17 : "the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl." · Deuteronomy 14:15-16 : "the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl." In these passages, the term "gull" is often understood to include the sea-mew, as the Hebrew word "shachaf" is traditionally associated with seabirds that inhabit coastal regions. The sea-mew, like other birds listed, is considered unclean due to its scavenging nature and diet, which often includes carrion and refuse. This characteristic made it unsuitable for consumption according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In the ancient Near Eastern context, birds like the sea-mew were often seen as symbols of desolation and uncleanliness due to their habitats and feeding habits. The inclusion of the sea-mew in the list of unclean birds underscores the importance of ritual purity and the distinctiveness of the Israelite community in adhering to God's commandments. The dietary laws served not only as a means of physical health but also as a spiritual discipline, setting the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. By abstaining from unclean animals, the Israelites demonstrated obedience to God's covenant and maintained a lifestyle that reflected their unique identity as His chosen people. Natural Habitat and Behavior: Sea-mews, or gulls, are commonly found along coastlines, where they are known for their adaptability and opportunistic feeding behavior. They are often seen soaring over the sea, scavenging for food, and are recognized by their distinctive calls and social behavior. Their presence in the biblical text highlights the diversity of God's creation and the specific instructions given to His people regarding their interaction with the natural world. Theological Implications: The prohibition against eating the sea-mew and other unclean birds serves as a reminder of the holiness and separateness required of God's people. It reflects the broader biblical theme of purity and the call to live in accordance with divine standards. The laws concerning clean and unclean animals are part of the larger framework of the Mosaic Law, which points to the need for holiness in all aspects of life. In summary, the sea-mew, as mentioned in the Bible, is a symbol of the unclean and serves as a testament to the Israelites' commitment to God's laws. Its inclusion in the dietary restrictions highlights the importance of obedience and the pursuit of holiness in the life of the believer. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEA-MEWse'-mu (shachaph; laros; Latin, Larus canus): The sea-gull. Used by modern translators in the list of abominations in the place of the cuckoo (Leviticus 11:16 Deuteronomy 14:15). It is very probable that the sea-gull comes closer to the bird intended than the CUCKOO (which see). The sea-gull is a "slender" bird, but not "lean" as the root shachaph implies. However, with its stretch of wing and restless flight it gives this impression. Gulls are common all along the Mediterranean coast and around the Sea of Galilee. They are thought to have more intelligence than the average bird, and to share with some eagles, hawks, vultures and the raven the knowledge that if they find mollusk they cannot break they can carry it aloft and drop it on the rocks. Only a wise bird learns this. Most feathered creatures pick at an unyielding surface a few times and then seek food elsewhere. There are two reasons why these birds went on the abomination lists. To a steady diet of fish they add carrion. Then they are birds of such nervous energy, so exhaustless in flight, so daring in flying directly into the face of fierce winds, that the Moslems believed them to be tenanted with the souls of the damned. Moses was reared and educated among the Egyptians, and the laws he formulated often are tinged by traces of his early life. History fails to record any instance of a man reared in Egypt who permitted the killing of a gull, ibis, or hoopoe. Strong's Hebrew 7828. shachaph -- a sea mew, gull... 7827, 7828. shachaph. 7829 . a sea mew, gull. Transliteration: shachaph Phonetic Spelling: (shakh'-af) Short Definition: gull. Word ... /hebrew/7828.htm - 5k Library Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ... Thesaurus Seamew (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEA-MEW. se'-mu (shachaph; laros; Latin, Larus canus): The sea-gull. ... Multi-Version Concordance Seamew (1 Occurrence). ... /s/seamew.htm - 8k Sea-mew (2 Occurrences) Cuckoo (2 Occurrences) Nighthawk (2 Occurrences) Night-hawk (2 Occurrences) Seamen (6 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) Birds (125 Occurrences) Abomination (78 Occurrences) Unclean (393 Occurrences) Resources Did the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sea-mew (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:16 Deuteronomy 14:15 Subtopics Related Terms |