the kite
The kite is a bird of prey known for its keen eyesight and ability to soar at great heights. In the biblical context, the kite is considered unclean, as outlined in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to teach them principles of holiness and separation. The kite's scavenging nature, feeding on carrion, may have contributed to its classification as unclean. In a broader biblical sense, birds of prey often symbolize judgment and destruction, as seen in passages like Isaiah 46:11, where a bird of prey from the east is used as a metaphor for God's instrument of judgment.

any kind of falcon
The term "any kind of falcon" encompasses various species of falcons, all of which are also considered unclean. Falcons are known for their speed and hunting prowess, characteristics that might have been admired but also associated with predatory behavior. The inclusion of falcons in the list of unclean birds underscores the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, a theme that runs throughout Leviticus. This distinction is not only about physical cleanliness but also about spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands. In a symbolic sense, the falcon's swift and decisive nature can be seen as a reminder of the swiftness of God's judgment, as reflected in scriptures like Habakkuk 1:8, where the Chaldeans are described as swifter than leopards and more fierce than evening wolves.

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. He is the central human figure in the delivery of the Levitical laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, including dietary restrictions, as they journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the laws from God, including the dietary laws found in Leviticus.

4. Kite and Falcon
Birds mentioned in the dietary laws as unclean, representing a category of birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat.Understanding Holiness
The dietary laws, including the prohibition of eating certain birds, were given to set the Israelites apart as a holy people. Holiness involves obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly mundane aspects of life.

Symbolism of Purity
The unclean animals symbolize spiritual impurity. Christians are called to discern and avoid spiritual impurities in their lives, maintaining a focus on purity and holiness.

Cultural and Historical Context
Recognizing the cultural and historical context of these laws helps us understand their purpose for the Israelites and how they pointed towards a greater spiritual truth fulfilled in Christ.

Freedom in Christ
While the dietary laws were specific to the Israelites, Christians are reminded of their freedom in Christ, who declared all foods clean. This freedom, however, should be exercised with consideration for others' consciences.

Spiritual Discernment
Just as the Israelites were to discern between clean and unclean animals, Christians are called to discern between what is spiritually beneficial and what is not, guided by the Holy Spirit.(14) And the vulture.--Rather, the kite. Its name in the original (daah), which literally denotes the swift, majestic and gliding flier, appropriately describes this bird, which sails with its expanded wings through the air, where it often pauses as if suspended, watching for its prey. Kites are very plentiful in Syria, and are frequently seen hovering over the plains, the villages, and the outskirts of towns, and looking out for garbage and offal, and hence are often seen in company with the vulture at their useful task of devouring the carrion. Their gregarious habits are referred to by Isaiah (Isaiah 34:15), where they are mentioned in company with other raptatores as suitable inhabitants of devastated Edom. The kite is used by different Eastern tribes as food.

And the kite.--Rather, the falcon. "The greedy one" (ayah), as it is called in the original, fitly describes this most sagacious, sanguinary, and rapacious robber. Its piercing sight is referred to by Job (28:7), where it is translated vulture in the Authorised Version, though in the passage before us and in the parallel passage in Deuteronomy 14:13, it is rendered kite. It exists in Syria in a great variety of species, for which reason the text adds "after his kind." The falcon is eaten in the Levant, and is considered rather delicate.

Parallel Commentaries ...

the kite,
הַ֨דָּאָ֔ה (had·dā·’āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1676: Perhaps kite (a bird of prey)

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

any kind
לְמִינָֽהּ׃ (lə·mî·nāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4327: A sort, species

of falcon;
הָאַיָּ֖ה (hā·’ay·yāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 344: The screamer, a hawk


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OT Law: Leviticus 11:14 And the red kite any kind (Le Lv Lev.)