Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the classification of birds into clean and unclean species is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically within the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These classifications were part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites, which dictated what could and could not be consumed. The distinction between clean and unclean animals was significant for maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's commandments.Leviticus 11:13-19 : The book of Leviticus provides a detailed list of birds considered unclean. According to Leviticus 11:13-19, the following birds are deemed unclean and are not to be eaten: 1. The eagle 2. The vulture 3. The black vulture 4. The red kite 5. Any kind of black kite 6. Any kind of raven 7. The horned owl 8. The screech owl 9. The gull 10. Any kind of hawk 11. The little owl 12. The cormorant 13. The great owl 14. The white owl 15. The desert owl 16. The osprey 17. The stork 18. Any kind of heron 19. The hoopoe 20. The bat Deuteronomy 14:12-18 : The book of Deuteronomy reiterates the list of unclean birds, with slight variations in the order and naming, but essentially confirming the same species as unclean. Deuteronomy 14:12-18 states: 1. The eagle 2. The vulture 3. The black vulture 4. The red kite 5. The black kite 6. Any kind of falcon 7. Any kind of raven 8. The horned owl 9. The screech owl 10. The gull 11. Any kind of hawk 12. The little owl 13. The great owl 14. The white owl 15. The desert owl 16. The osprey 17. The cormorant 18. The stork 19. Any kind of heron 20. The hoopoe 21. The bat Interpretation and Significance: The unclean birds listed in these passages are generally birds of prey or scavengers. These birds often feed on carrion or have predatory habits, which may have contributed to their classification as unclean. The dietary laws served not only as a means of distinguishing the Israelites from other nations but also as a way to promote health and hygiene by avoiding animals that could carry disease. The inclusion of the bat in these lists is noteworthy, as it is not a bird but a mammal. However, in the ancient classification systems, bats were grouped with birds due to their ability to fly. These dietary restrictions were part of the broader Mosaic Law, which was fulfilled in the New Testament through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. While Christians are not bound by these dietary laws today, understanding them provides insight into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 11:13-20And these are they which you shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 14:12-19 Library Of the Ark and the Deluge, and that we Cannot Agree with those who ... Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Chapter viii Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author, Chapter ii Lessons from Nature The Creation Acts XI Resources What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org What does God want me to do? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms Beth-mar'caboth (2 Occurrences) |
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