Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the distinction between clean and unclean beasts is a significant theme that emerges early in the Scriptures, reflecting God's covenantal relationship with His people and His desire for their holiness and obedience. This classification is first introduced in the context of the account of Noah and the Ark, and it is later elaborated upon in the Mosaic Law.Noah and the Ark The initial mention of clean and unclean animals occurs in the account of Noah. In Genesis 7:2-3 , God instructs Noah, "You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive on the face of all the earth." This distinction implies that even before the formal giving of the Law at Sinai, there was an understanding of clean and unclean animals, which would have been significant for sacrificial purposes and for maintaining ritual purity. The Mosaic Law The distinction between clean and unclean animals is further detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These passages provide comprehensive lists and criteria for determining the cleanliness of animals. Leviticus 11:2-3 states, "Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: any animal with split hooves and that chews the cud.’" The chapter goes on to specify various animals, birds, and sea creatures that are considered clean or unclean. The criteria for land animals include having a split hoof and chewing the cud. For aquatic creatures, only those with fins and scales are deemed clean. Birds of prey and scavengers are generally classified as unclean, as are most insects, with the exception of certain locusts and grasshoppers. Purpose and Significance The distinction between clean and unclean animals served several purposes in the life of Israel. Primarily, it was a means of setting the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations, emphasizing their unique identity as God's chosen people. By adhering to these dietary laws, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God and their commitment to holiness. Moreover, the clean and unclean distinctions had practical health benefits, as many of the unclean animals listed are known to carry diseases or parasites. However, the primary focus of these laws was not health, but rather ritual purity and the symbolic representation of moral and spiritual cleanliness. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the issue of clean and unclean animals is revisited, particularly in the context of the early Church's struggle with Jewish dietary laws. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in which he is commanded to eat animals previously considered unclean. Acts 10:15 records the voice saying, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision signifies the abolition of the dietary restrictions for Christians and the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his epistles, emphasizing that dietary laws are no longer binding on believers. In Romans 14:14 , he writes, "I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." The early distinction between clean and unclean beasts, therefore, serves as a foundational element in understanding the development of biblical law and its fulfillment in Christ, who brings ultimate purification and holiness to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 7:2Of every clean beast you shall take to you by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects Subject Index Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. The Dialogue against the Luciferians. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... Against Jovinianus. Introduction to Oration ii. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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