Topical Bible: Defilement: Ceremonial Caused by Eating Things That Died

◄ Defilement: Ceremonial Caused by Eating Things That Died ►

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In the context of the Old Testament, ceremonial defilement refers to a state of ritual impurity that prevents individuals from participating in certain religious activities or entering sacred spaces. One specific cause of such defilement is the consumption of animals that have died of natural causes or have been killed by other animals, rather than being slaughtered according to the prescribed methods.

The Mosaic Law provides clear instructions regarding the handling and consumption of animals that have died naturally. In Leviticus 11:39-40, the law states: "If an animal that you may eat dies, anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening. Anyone who eats some of the carcass must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. Anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening."

This passage highlights the temporary nature of the defilement, lasting only until evening, and the requirement for washing clothes as a means of purification. The emphasis on washing and waiting until evening underscores the importance of ritual cleanliness in maintaining a proper relationship with God and the community.

Deuteronomy 14:21 further elaborates on the prohibition against eating animals that die of themselves: "You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people to the LORD your God." This verse not only reiterates the prohibition but also provides a practical solution for dealing with such carcasses, allowing them to be given or sold to non-Israelites, who were not bound by the same ceremonial laws.

The underlying principle of these laws is the concept of holiness and separation. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations, and adherence to dietary laws was a tangible expression of this calling. By avoiding the consumption of animals that had not been properly slaughtered, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God's commandments and their desire to remain ceremonially clean.

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external rituals to the internal condition of the heart. Jesus, in Mark 7:18-19, addresses the issue of defilement, stating: "Are you still so dull? He asked. Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated." This teaching emphasizes that true defilement comes from within, from the thoughts and intentions of the heart, rather than from external sources.

While the ceremonial laws regarding defilement by eating things that died are not binding on Christians today, they serve as a historical and theological backdrop for understanding the nature of holiness and the transformation brought about by Christ's fulfillment of the law.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 17:15
And every soul that eats that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Shadow of Death
... eagerly guarded their conduct that no ceremonial defilement might prevent ... them handle
him, and by eating part of a ... by a series of divinely caused and therefore ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... from the first have been seducers; they caused the fall ... of earth, dwelleth safely
there and suffers no defilement.". ... with respect to the Jewish ceremonial law. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... this, the moral law is rejected, the ceremonial law is ... unto him he said, Behold,
I have caused thine iniquity ... friends, and tell them how great things God hath ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm