The lapwing is mentioned in the context of dietary laws in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. In Leviticus 11:19 , the lapwing is listed among the birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat: "the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." The term "lapwing" is used in some translations, while others may use "hoopoe" or similar terms, reflecting variations in the identification of the bird in question.

Identification and Characteristics

The lapwing, as referred to in biblical texts, is often associated with the hoopoe (Upupa epops), a bird known for its distinctive crown of feathers and unique appearance. The hoopoe is native to the Middle East and is characterized by its striking plumage, long beak, and undulating flight pattern. It is a solitary bird, often found in open landscapes, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In ancient Israelite culture, the dietary laws served not only as health guidelines but also as a means of setting the Israelites apart from other nations. The prohibition against eating certain birds, including the lapwing, was part of a broader set of purity laws that underscored the holiness and distinctiveness of God's chosen people. The lapwing, like other unclean birds, was considered unsuitable for consumption due to its feeding habits and ecological niche.

Theological Implications

The inclusion of the lapwing in the list of unclean birds highlights the importance of obedience to God's commandments in the daily lives of the Israelites. These dietary restrictions were a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for holiness and separation from practices deemed impure or defiling. The lapwing, therefore, serves as a reminder of the broader spiritual principles underlying the Mosaic Law.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary discussions, the lapwing's mention in the Bible is often examined in the context of biblical zoology and the historical understanding of ancient texts. Scholars and theologians explore the significance of these dietary laws and their relevance to modern Christian practice. While the specific identification of the lapwing may vary, its role in the biblical narrative remains a point of interest for those studying the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel.

Conclusion

The lapwing, as referenced in Leviticus, is a testament to the intricate laws that governed the lives of the Israelites and their relationship with God. Its mention in the Bible continues to be a subject of study and reflection, offering insights into the historical and spiritual dimensions of biblical teachings.Lapwing

(Heb. duciphath) occurs only in (Leviticus 11:19) and in the parallel passage of (14:18) amongst the list of those birds which were forbidden by the law of Moses to be eaten by the Israelites. Commentators generally agree that the hoopoe is the bird intended. The hoopoe is an occasional visitor to England, arriving for the most part in the autumn. Its crest is very elegant; each of the long feathers forming it is tipped with black.

Lapwing

Supposed to mean the hoopoe, a beautiful migratory bird of filthy habits and a loud, hoarse voice; pronounced unclean by Moses, Le 11:19. It is about the size of a thrush; its beak is long, black, thin and a little hooked; its legs gray and short. On its head is a tuft of feathers of different colors, which it raises or lowers as it pleases. Its neck and breast are somewhat reddish, and its wings and tail black, with white streaks.

The name of an unclean bird, mentioned only in Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18. The Hebrew name of this bird, dukiphath, has been generally regarded as denoting the hoope (Upupa epops), an onomatopoetic word derived from the cry of the bird, which resembles the word "hoop;" a bird not uncommon in Palestine. Others identify it with the English peewit. (n.) A small European bird of the Plover family (Vanellus cristatus, or V. vanellus). It has long and broad wings, and is noted for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards, downwards, and in circles. Its back is coppery or greenish bronze. Its eggs are the plover's eggs of the London market, esteemed a delicacy. It is called also peewit, dastard plover, and wype. The gray lapwing is the Squatarola cinerea.LAPWING

lap'-wing (dukhiphath; epops): A translation used in early VSS, now universally admitted to be incorrect. The lapwing had a crest, and resembled in size and color the hoopoe (Upupa epops). It appears in the lists of abominations only (Leviticus 11:19 the King James Version and Deuteronomy 14:18 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) HOOPOE, which see). The lapwing is a plover, and its flesh and eggs are delicious food.

1744. dukiphath -- perhaps hoopoe (a ceremonially unclean bird)
... 2). lapwing. Of uncertain derivation; the hoopoe or else the grouse -- lapwing.
1743, 1744. dukiphath. 1745 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1744.htm - 6k

Vile Transformation of Jupiter.
... was born Helen; and again the same, being changed into a star, and of her were born
Castor and Pollux; Lamia, being changed into a lapwing; Mnemosyne, being ...
/.../recognitions of clement /chapter xxii vile transformation of jupiter.htm

The Tenth Commandment
... The lapwing, which wears a little coronet on its head, and yet feeds on dung, is
an emblem of such as profess to be crowned kings and priests unto God, and yet ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... Nevertheless, by an anomaly not uncommon in religions, the egg did not always contain
the same kind of bird; a lapwing, or a heron, might come out of it,[*] or ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Lapwing (2 Occurrences)
... It is called also peewit, dastard plover, and wype. The gray lapwing is the
Squatarola cinerea. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LAPWING. ...
/l/lapwing.htm - 8k

Hoopoe (2 Occurrences)
... Because it is almost the size of a hoopoe and somewhat suggestive of it in its golden
plumage, the lapwing was used in the early translations of the Bible ...
/h/hoopoe.htm - 9k

Lapse (9 Occurrences)

/l/lapse.htm - 10k

Larch (3 Occurrences)

/l/larch.htm - 7k

Weep (97 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The lapwing; the wipe; -- so called from
its cry. 2. (v.) imp. of Weep. 3. (vi) Formerly, to express ...
/w/weep.htm - 37k

Wipe (24 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The lapwing. 2. (vt) To rub with something
soft for cleaning; to clean or dry by rubbing; as, to ...
/w/wipe.htm - 14k

Palestine (1 Occurrence)
... 11:7), the stork and the heron (Leviticus 11:19)-to the `Arabah and the Jordan valley,
while the hoopoe (the King James Version "lapwing," Leviticus 11:19 ...
/p/palestine.htm - 89k

Lapwing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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