Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "clean beasts" refers to animals that were deemed permissible for consumption according to the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites. These laws are primarily outlined in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy and were part of the broader Mosaic Law that governed the daily lives of the Israelites.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for distinguishing between clean and unclean animals is found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These passages provide detailed criteria for identifying which animals are considered clean and thus suitable for consumption. In Leviticus 11:2-3 , God instructs Moses and Aaron, saying, "Speak to the Israelites and tell them: 'Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: any animal with split hooves and that chews the cud.'" This directive establishes two primary characteristics for land animals to be considered clean: they must have split hooves and chew the cud. Deuteronomy 14:4-6 reiterates these criteria, listing specific animals that meet these requirements: "These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. You may eat any animal that has split hooves and that chews the cud." Significance in Israelite Culture The distinction between clean and unclean animals was not merely a matter of dietary preference but was deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Observing these dietary laws was a sign of obedience and holiness, setting the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. The consumption of clean animals was an act of worship and adherence to God's commandments, reflecting a lifestyle of purity and dedication to the Lord. Symbolism and Typology In addition to their practical implications, clean animals often held symbolic significance in the sacrificial system. For instance, clean animals such as lambs, goats, and bulls were used in various offerings and sacrifices, symbolizing purity and atonement. The Passover lamb, a clean animal, is a notable example, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), who takes away the sin of the world. New Testament Perspective With the advent of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the dietary laws, including the distinction between clean and unclean animals, were fulfilled and transcended. In Acts 10:13-15 , Peter receives a vision in which a voice tells him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!" When Peter objects, the voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision signifies the removal of dietary restrictions and the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. The Apostle Paul further emphasizes this freedom in 1 Timothy 4:4-5 , stating, "For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." Conclusion The concept of clean beasts used for food is a significant aspect of the Old Testament dietary laws, reflecting the Israelites' covenantal relationship with God. While these laws were specific to the Old Covenant, their fulfillment in Christ has broadened the understanding of purity and holiness, emphasizing spiritual rather than ceremonial cleanliness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:2Speak to the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which you shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 12:15 Library The Conversion of Cornelius. Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation. Chapter vii The Clean and the Unclean Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Survival of the Fittest. Give us Today Our Needful Bread Sanctification Leviticus Chapter vi Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
    |