Leviticus 11

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 11 provides a comprehensive list of clean and unclean animals, including land animals, birds, and fish. The chapter begins with God speaking to Moses and Aaron, instructing them to teach the Israelites which animals are suitable for food (Leviticus 11:1-2). The criteria for clean and unclean animals are based on their physical characteristics and behaviors. For example, land animals that chew the cud and have split hooves are considered clean (Leviticus 11:3), while those that do not meet these criteria are unclean. The chapter also discusses the purity of fish and other sea creatures, stating that those with fins and scales are clean (Leviticus 11:9-12). The Israelites are warned against eating unclean animals, as this would defile them and make them unclean before God (Leviticus 11:43-45).

Context for the Chapter

Leviticus 11 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the priestly laws and the establishment of the Israelites as a holy people. This chapter is situated within the section of the book that deals with the laws of purity and impurity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ritual cleanliness and avoiding defilement. The chapter also looks forward to the greater reality of Christ's work, which would ultimately cleanse and sanctify God's people. In the broader biblical narrative, Leviticus 11 contributes to the overall theme of God's redemption and the establishment of His people as a holy nation.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to be a holy people, set apart for God's service. By studying Leviticus 11, we are reminded of the importance of separating ourselves from the world and its practices, and of living a life that is pleasing to God. We must examine our own lives and habits, seeking to eliminate anything that could defile us or hinder our relationship with God. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to being a holy people and our gratitude for Christ's redemption.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Leviticus 11 is about the rules for what animals the Israelites could eat. God wanted them to be a holy people, separate from the world. He gave them rules to follow, like only eating animals that chewed their cud and had split hooves. This chapter teaches us about the importance of being holy and separate from the world, just like the Israelites. In Leviticus 11:45, God reminds the Israelites that He is the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, which is a type of the redemption that Christ would accomplish.

Voices from the Church

“The distinction between clean and unclean animals is not merely a matter of ceremonial law, but a type of the greater distinction between the righteous and the wicked.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The dietary laws in Leviticus 11 are a reminder that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that we must take care to maintain their purity and holiness.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals (Leviticus 11:1-2) — God speaks to Moses and Aaron, instructing them to teach the Israelites which animals are suitable for food.
2. The Criteria for Clean and Unclean Land Animals (Leviticus 11:3-8) — The criteria for determining which land animals are clean or unclean are based on their physical characteristics and behaviors.
3. The Criteria for Clean and Unclean Fish and Sea Creatures (Leviticus 11:9-12) — The criteria for determining which fish and sea creatures are clean or unclean are based on their physical characteristics, such as having fins and scales.
4. The Criteria for Clean and Unclean Birds (Leviticus 11:13-19) — The criteria for determining which birds are clean or unclean are based on their physical characteristics and behaviors.
5. The Consequences of Disobedience and the Call to Holiness (Leviticus 11:43-45) — The chapter warns against the consequences of disobeying God's commands and calls the Israelites to be a holy people, set apart for God's service.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Separation

This chapter teaches the importance of separating oneself from the world and its practices, and of living a life that is pleasing to God.

The Doctrine of Holiness

Leviticus 11 emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for believers to be set apart for God's service.

The Doctrine of Redemption

The chapter looks forward to the greater reality of Christ's work, which would ultimately cleanse and sanctify God's people.

The Doctrine of Ritual Purity

The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual cleanliness and avoiding defilement, which is a type of the greater reality of spiritual purity and holiness.

Lessons from Leviticus 11

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, and the potential consequences of disobedience.
2. The Need for Separation — The chapter teaches the importance of separating oneself from the world and its practices, and of living a life that is pleasing to God.
3. The Reality of Redemption — The chapter looks forward to the greater reality of Christ's work, which would ultimately cleanse and sanctify God's people.
4. The Importance of Holiness — Leviticus 11 emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for believers to be set apart for God's service.
5. The Benefits of Ritual Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual cleanliness and avoiding defilement, which is a type of the greater reality of spiritual purity and holiness.

Themes from Leviticus 11

1. Separation and Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from the world and its practices, and of living a life that is pleasing to God.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches the importance of obeying God's commands, and the potential consequences of disobedience.
3. The Reality of Redemption — The chapter looks forward to the greater reality of Christ's work, which would ultimately cleanse and sanctify God's people.
4. The Need for Ritual Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual cleanliness and avoiding defilement, which is a type of the greater reality of spiritual purity and holiness.
5. The Importance of Living a Holy Life — The chapter teaches the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of being set apart for His service.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which you can separate yourself from the world and its practices, and live a life that is pleasing to God?
2. How does the emphasis on holiness in Leviticus 11 relate to your own life and walk with God?
3. What are some potential consequences of disobeying God's commands, and how can you avoid them in your own life?
4. How does the doctrine of redemption relate to the themes of Leviticus 11, and what implications does this have for your own life and faith?
5. What are some ways in which you can maintain ritual cleanliness and avoid defilement in your own life, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Leviticus 11

	Sermon	Description
	Fourfold Challenge to Holiness by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He references Ephesians 1:4, which states that believers are chosen in Christ to be hol
	Holiness and Redemption by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God reveals himself as the redeemer of his chosen people. He allowed them to go through oppression, slavery, and misery to prepare their
	The Tabernacle of the Most High by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker highlights the contrasting aspects of God's nature and how he reveals himself in different settings. The speaker uses examples such as a professor who i
	(1 John #4) Since God Is Light by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the message of Jesus Christ, which was taught by Him and received by the apostles. The preacher highlights that Jesus is n
	Elijah - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon focuses on the unique characteristics of the dove as a symbol of purity and the importance of being clean and surrendered to receive the Holy Spirit. It delves into the
	Jap-04 True Fellowship by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling burdened and convicted to confess their faults in church. They emphasize the importance of confession in buildin
	The Holiness of God by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the holiness of God. He emphasizes that holiness is not just a characteristic of God, but it also represents His will for His cre
	Studies in 1 Peter-04 1 Peter 1:14-20 by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believers living a holy life, as God is holy. He highlights that many people struggle to accept the simplicity of the gosp
	Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter Five by Steve Gallagher	In this video, Steve Gallagher discusses the importance of holiness in the Christian life. He emphasizes that holiness is not a popular concept in today's society, but it is still
	Making Fun of God by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who had a problem and believed that only the President could help him. A little boy offers to lead him to the President, and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 11

In Leviticus 11, we see the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, which serves as a type of the greater distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to be set apart for God's service, and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The dietary laws in this chapter are not merely ceremonial, but are intended to teach the Israelites to separate themselves from the world and its practices. By following these laws, the Israelites would demonstrate their commitment to being a holy people, and would avoid the defilement and uncleanness that comes from disobedience. As Matthew Henry notes, the chapter teaches us that 'we must not only abstain from gross sins, but from all appearances of evil, and from every thing that may tend to corrupt our hearts or the hearts of others.' (Leviticus 11:43-45) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?