Why does Leviticus 11:7 prohibit eating pork according to God's law? Reading the Verse “‘And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.’” (Leviticus 11:7) Understanding the Classification • Leviticus 11 divides land animals by two criteria: – Split hoof – Chewing the cud • An animal must meet both. Pigs meet only one, so God labels them “unclean.” • “Unclean” does not mean sinful in itself; it means ceremonially unacceptable for those in covenant with God. Purpose Behind the Dietary Laws • To teach discernment: “so that you can distinguish between the holy and the unholy, and between the unclean and the clean” (Leviticus 10:10). • To train Israel in daily obedience; every meal became an act of submission. • To mark Israel as distinct from surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 14:2). Holiness and Separation • God ties the food laws to His own character: “For I am the LORD your God… you are to be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44–45). • Avoiding pork became a practical, visible reminder that God’s people live by His word, not by cultural taste. Physical and Practical Considerations • Pigs readily carry parasites and diseases (e.g., trichinosis). • In a hot climate without modern preservation, abstaining reduced health risks. • Scripture’s primary reason is spiritual, yet the physical benefits showcase God’s care. Foreshadowing the Greater Covenant • The ceremonial category of “unclean” pointed ahead to the need for inner cleansing fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Under the New Covenant God declares, “What God has made clean, you must not call unclean” (Acts 10:15), signaling that the dietary symbol had served its purpose. How the Principle Carries Forward Today • The specific prohibition on pork was for Israel under Mosaic law; believers today are free to eat (Mark 7:18-19, Romans 14:17). • The underlying call to holiness remains. We honor God by obeying His Word, submitting every choice to His lordship, and living visibly distinct lives. |
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