Definition and Etymology:
The term "Hargol" appears in the context of dietary laws in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. The Hebrew word "חַרְגֹּל" (hargol) is often translated as "locust" or "grasshopper," referring to a type of insect that was considered clean and permissible for consumption under Mosaic Law.

Biblical References:
Hargol is mentioned in Leviticus 11:22, where it is listed among the insects that the Israelites were allowed to eat: "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper." . This passage is part of a larger section detailing the dietary laws given to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, locusts and similar insects were a common food source, especially in arid regions where other food might be scarce. The inclusion of hargol in the list of clean animals highlights the practical and nutritional considerations of the dietary laws. Locusts are rich in protein and were likely a valuable resource for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and in the agrarian society of ancient Israel.

Theological Significance:
The dietary laws, including the permission to eat hargol, served several purposes in the life of Israel. They were a means of setting the Israelites apart from other nations, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. The laws also had a pedagogical function, teaching the Israelites about purity, obedience, and reliance on God's provision. The inclusion of certain insects like hargol as clean reflects the broader principle that God's creation, in its diversity, is good and can be used to sustain life.

Modern Considerations:
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians today, as articulated in the New Testament (see Acts 10:9-16), they continue to offer insights into God's care for His people and the importance of holiness. The mention of hargol invites reflection on the ways God provides for His people in various contexts and the call to discernment in matters of daily living.

Related Entries:
· Dietary Laws
· Clean and Unclean Animals
· Leviticus
· Mosaic Law
· Locusts in the BibleHargol (1 Occurrence)

Leviticus 11:22
These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind.
(DBY)

Hargol (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hargol (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:22 These shall
ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam ...
/h/hargol.htm - 6k

Hargab (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:22 These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam
after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind ...
/h/hargab.htm - 6k

Beetle (7 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews hargol, meaning "leaper"). Mention of
it is made only in Leviticus 11:22, where it is obvious ...
/b/beetle.htm - 10k

Arbeh (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:22 These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam
after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind ...
/a/arbeh.htm - 6k

Solam (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:22 These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam
after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind ...
/s/solam.htm - 6k

Harhaiah (1 Occurrence)

/h/harhaiah.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus