Topical Bible: Beasts: Unclean: Ape

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In the context of biblical literature, the term "ape" is not frequently mentioned, yet it holds significance within the broader category of unclean animals as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The classification of animals into clean and unclean is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where dietary laws are meticulously detailed.

Biblical References:

The specific mention of apes in the Bible is found in the context of King Solomon's wealth and trade. In 1 Kings 10:22 , it is recorded: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." Similarly, 2 Chronicles 9:21 echoes this account: "For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram. Once every three years, they would bring gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks."

These passages highlight the presence of apes as part of the exotic goods imported during Solomon's reign, reflecting the grandeur and wealth of his kingdom. However, the text does not provide explicit details regarding the classification of apes as clean or unclean.

Unclean Animals in Mosaic Law:

The Mosaic Law, as detailed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, provides comprehensive guidelines on clean and unclean animals. While apes are not explicitly mentioned in these lists, they would be considered unclean by virtue of their characteristics. Leviticus 11:27 states, "All the four-footed animals that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening." Apes, being quadrupeds and possessing paws, would fall under this category.

The distinction between clean and unclean animals served not only dietary purposes but also symbolized the separation between the holy and the profane, a recurring theme in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites were called to be a people set apart, and adherence to these dietary laws was a tangible expression of their obedience and dedication to God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, apes were likely seen as exotic and rare, contributing to their inclusion in the list of luxury items imported by Solomon. The presence of apes in the royal court would have been a testament to the king's far-reaching trade networks and his ability to procure rare and valuable items from distant lands.

The mention of apes alongside gold, silver, and ivory underscores their perceived value and the fascination with the exotic in the ancient world. This fascination, however, did not translate into a change in their status concerning the dietary laws, as the primary concern of these laws was ritual purity and obedience to divine commandments.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the classification of animals into clean and unclean categories serves as a reminder of the holiness required by God from His people. The laws concerning unclean animals, including those that would encompass apes, were part of a broader system designed to instill a sense of discipline, purity, and separation from pagan practices.

While the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the fulfillment of the Law and the new covenant of grace, the Old Testament laws regarding clean and unclean animals remain a significant part of the historical and religious heritage of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Thirteenth Chapter of Revelation Two Beasts are There ...
... 14, where we read, "And I saw three unclean spirits like ... what is separately predicted
of the two Beasts in Rev ... the true Christ, if he is to ape the millennial ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the thirteenth chapter of.htm

The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint.
... up with lions, he will tame the wild beasts; though cast ... on to them, like that of
the wolf, the ape, the lion ... is no thought taken for it, being unclean, and the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xx the true gnostic exercises.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... The cattle of the field, the beasts of the ... which was, in some cases, common and unclean,
and, purifying ... to define which separates man from the ape, even though ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... which is not under the law, ie, of beasts and birds ... onto them, like that of the wolf,
the ape, the lion ... there is no thought taken for it, being unclean and the ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... inasmuch as the dispute must be with a stronger antagonist, like that unclean and
evil ... Fire and sword and wild beasts, and rakes which tear the flesh, we revel ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... How shall we, who are impure and unclean by nature and by practice, draw near unto
him ... to the desert, and into the sea, the world, to heal the beasts and fish ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... early prophets"such as Micah, Hosea, Amos"speak with scorn of the worship by
sacrifices,"whether the fruits of the earth, or slaughtered beasts, or the ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm