How does Leviticus 11:47 guide us in discerning between clean and unclean? The Text Itself “to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.” (Leviticus 11:47) Key Observations • The verb “distinguish” assumes an objective, God–given line—not a cultural preference. • “Unclean” and “clean” describe ritual status before God, not hygiene alone. • Discernment is tied to obedience: what may be “eaten” or “not eaten” is determined by the Lord, not human taste. Why Does God Draw This Line? • Holiness: “You are to be holy to Me, because I, the LORD, am holy” (Leviticus 20:26). • Identity: Israel’s diet set the nation apart from surrounding peoples (Deuteronomy 14:2). • Reminder of Edenic order: Different creatures bear distinct roles laid out in creation (Genesis 1:24-31). • Submission test: If Israel trusted God with the small, daily act of eating, larger obedience would follow (Deuteronomy 8:3). The Larger Biblical Thread • After the flood, God distinguished life-blood from food (Genesis 9:3-4). • Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), a truth illustrated in Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9-16). • Yet the call to separate from defilement remains: “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Peter unites both ideas—freedom from the food code yet enduring holiness—“Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16 quoting Leviticus 11:44-45). Principles for Discerning Today • God still defines right and wrong; human preference never overrides His word. • Physical regulations foreshadow moral separation: we reject sin as Israel rejected unclean animals (Romans 12:1-2). • Discernment involves daily choices—what we watch, read, purchase, support (Philippians 4:8). • Freedom in Christ is genuine, yet never license for impurity (Galatians 5:13). • The indwelling Spirit now guides the believer’s conscience, enabling us to “test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Bringing It Home Leviticus 11:47 teaches that God alone sets the standard of purity. While dietary laws were fulfilled in Christ, the underlying call to distinguish continues. A heart that daily practices Spirit-led discernment—embracing what God declares clean and rejecting what He calls unclean—walks in the holiness for which we were redeemed. |
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