What does Leviticus 11:19 teach about obedience to God's specific instructions?

Leviticus 11:19 in Context

“the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.”

• This single verse sits inside a longer list of birds Israel was forbidden to eat.

• God names each creature—nothing is left to guesswork.

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What God’s Specificity Reveals

• Holiness is not vague. The Lord spells out what is acceptable and what is not (Leviticus 19:2).

• Details matter to Him. Every word is intentional; therefore, every instruction carries weight (Proverbs 30:5).

• Obedience flows from trust. Israel was not asked to understand the dietary science but to honor the One who commanded (Deuteronomy 29:29).

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Lessons for Our Obedience Today

• God still speaks clearly—through His written Word. “Do not add to these words or subtract from them” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

• Partial obedience is disobedience. Saul spared choice livestock and lost a kingdom (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

• Jesus affirmed the same principle: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

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Walking This Out

• Read Scripture attentively. Note the “little” commands; they reveal the posture of a yielded heart.

• Obey promptly, even when a directive feels small or puzzling. The God who numbered the unclean birds also numbers the hairs of your head (Luke 12:6-7).

• Let obedience be worship. Our submission to God’s specifics declares His wisdom and worth more loudly than any words we speak (Romans 12:1).