Leviticus 11

Chap. XI. Ver. 1—47. Clean and unclean provision.— At this time, very particular laws were enacted respecting the people’s diet, and the ceremonial uncleanness contracted by touching the carcasses of unclean animals. These laws seem to have been enacted, in the first place, as a test of obedience like the prohibition to Adam of “the tree of knowledge;” and to teach the Israelites habits of self-denial, and the government of their appetites. Secondly, to keep them distinct from other nations, both by throwing hinderances in the way of their social intercourse with them, and by establishing the distinction between clean and unclean, which was applicable to persons as well as things: when therefore this distinction was no longer to be observed, Peter was instructed by a vision, which had relation to the distinction of meats, “not to call any man common or unclean.”

((Acts 10:9-16).) Many also of these forbidden animals were occasions of superstition and idolatry to the heathen. Thirdly, to teach them to make distinctions between holy and unholy, in the choice of companions, and in forming intimate connexions. And fourthly, the propensities of these animals taught them what manner of persons they ought to be: for if the pure, useful, gentle, patient nature of the animals appointed for sacrifice, was emblematical of the Saviour’s character, it is obvious to conclude, that the exclusive prescription of some animals for the diet of the Lord’s people was also significant. Some have even thought that the allowance of the slaughter of innocent animals, for the food of sinful man forms a continued type of the purchase and application of the salvation of Christ, and of our transformation into his image while we spiritually “eat his flesh and drink his blood.” — T.

Scott.