How does Leviticus 11:6 inform our understanding of biblical dietary laws today? “and the rabbit, because it chews the cud but does not have a divided hoof, it is unclean to you.” Why the Rabbit Was Declared Unclean • God set dietary boundaries to distinguish Israel from surrounding nations (Leviticus 11:44–45). • “Chews the cud” without “a divided hoof” breaks the God-given pattern for land animals considered clean (Leviticus 11:3). • The command is stated as fact; the accuracy and literal nature of the description stand on Scripture’s authority, even if modern taxonomy differs. Principles the Verse Reveals • Holiness is practical: even ordinary meals remind God’s people to live set apart. • Obedience precedes understanding: Israel followed the rule whether or not the health rationale was clear. • Distinction teaches discernment: if a rabbit’s feet mattered, then every area of life matters to God. New-Covenant Perspective on Food • Jesus declared, “Whatever enters a man cannot defile him… Thus He declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:18-19). • Peter’s vision: “What God has cleansed, you must not call impure” (Acts 10:15). • Paul affirms, “Every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4). • The dietary laws were “a shadow of the things to come; the substance belongs to Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17). How Leviticus 11:6 Informs Us Today • Validity: The verse is historically and theologically true; God really labeled the rabbit unclean for Israel. • Fulfillment: In Christ, ceremonial barriers—including dietary ones—are fulfilled, not abolished in the sense of discarded (Matthew 5:17). • Ongoing value: – Reminds believers of God’s authority over daily choices. – Illustrates the seriousness of sin and the need for separation from impurity. – Offers wisdom for healthy living, though no longer a covenant mandate. • Freedom with responsibility: We may eat rabbit today, yet we eat “for the glory of God” and with sensitivity to others’ consciences (1 Corinthians 10:31-33). Living It Out • Give thanks before meals, recognizing God as Creator and Sustainer. • Celebrate freedom in Christ without despising those who voluntarily follow Old Testament food restrictions (Romans 14:3-4). • Let the call to holiness that once governed Israel’s diet now govern attitudes, speech, and conduct (1 Peter 1:15-16). Key Takeaways • Leviticus 11:6 is a literal command for Israel that showcased God’s holiness. • Christ’s perfect sacrifice fulfills the ceremonial law, granting believers freedom. • The verse still instructs: God cares about details, calls His people to be distinct, and deserves obedience rooted in love. |
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