Leviticus 11

2. These are the beasts, etc. Rather, “These are the living creatures which ye may eat among all (large) beasts (or cattle) that are on the earth.” The distinction was designed to strengthen the barriers between the Israelites and other nations (see Lev. xi. 43-49; xx. 24-26; and ep. Peter’s vision, Acts x. 12). The preparatory nature of such restrictions is shown in Heb. ix. 9, 10. See also Rom. xiv. 14, 17; 1 Cor. viii. 8.

3 parteth . . . clovenfooted . . . cheweth. A clean animal must have all these marks. The division of the hoof must not be into more than two parts; nor must it, like the camel’s, be incomplete.

4 the camel. Both the flesh and the milk of the camel are used by the Arabs.

5 coney. Shaphan, “the hider,” a small animal, about the size of a rabbit (the hyrax Syriacus, or rock-badger, R.V. marg.), living in the clefts of the rocks. It is not, any more than the hare, strictly speaking, a ruminant animal; but it works the jaws as if re-chewing its food. The object of the law was to furnish outward marks easily discernible.

7 swine. Swine appear not to have been eaten by Orientals generally; and particularly not by the Egyptians, who, however, offered them to some idols: see Herodotus, ii. 47. The use of swine’s flesh for food in hot countries is said to produce cutaneous diseases.

13 among the fowls. Instead of a general rule being given here, the exceptions are specified; probably including in each all birds of similar kind. Many of these cannot now be ascertained; but most likely they were all carnivorous.

16 owl. Rather, “ostrich” (R.V.).

18 swan. The purple water-hen. The same Hebrew word occurs in ver. 30, among the lizards, and is rendered “mole”; but is most likely the chameleon.

20 fowls. Rather, “flying creatures.” All flying creatures having more than two feet, except the locust tribe, were unclean.

22 the locust, etc. These four kinds are all of the same genus. Locusts are much used as food by the poor in some countries (Matt. iii. 4).

29 weasel. Some suppose this to be the mole, the word translated “mole” meaning probably the chameleon (see on ver. 18). Those translated “tortoise” and “ferret,” probably denote species of lizards.

36 toucheth their carcase. In attempting to draw it out. The pit or fountain, receiving fresh supplies of water, was clean.

38 water. Probably to soften it for food, not for sowing.

39 any beast—die. i.e., of itself. See xvii. 13, 15.

40 he that eateth. i.e., unwittingly; for he who did this knowingly would be cut off from the people as a presumptuous transgressor. See Numb. xv. 30.

42 creeping things. Including such species as the caterpillar, the worm, the centipede, and especially serpents.

45 ye shall therefore be holy. This ceremonial holiness represents that purity of spirit and conduct which God requires in His people (see 1 Pet. i. 16). Indeed, the careful observance of these precepts, upon the principles here enjoined, would tend to promote real holiness, by exercising and strengthening the spirit of obedience, while it would keep the Israelites from mingling with surrounding heathen. For the dangers of ceremonialism, see Matt. xxiii. 23-26.