Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "creeping things" refers to a category of small animals that move close to the ground, often including insects, reptiles, and other similar creatures. These creatures are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of dietary laws and ceremonial cleanliness.Biblical References and Definitions The term "creeping things" is primarily found in the Pentateuch, where it is used to describe various small animals that are considered unclean according to the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 11, God provides Moses and Aaron with detailed instructions regarding clean and unclean animals. Leviticus 11:29-31 states: "Of the creatures that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. Of all that move along the ground, these are unclean for you. Whoever touches them when they are dead will be unclean until evening." The Hebrew word often translated as "creeping things" is "sherets," which encompasses a wide range of small creatures that swarm or crawl. This term is used to describe animals that are not only physically low to the ground but also considered ritually impure. Ceremonial Implications The classification of certain creeping things as unclean had significant implications for the Israelites. Contact with these creatures, particularly when they were dead, rendered a person ceremonially unclean. This required the individual to undergo specific purification rituals to restore their state of cleanliness. Leviticus 11:32-33 further explains: "When one of them dies and falls on something, that article—whatever its use—will be unclean, whether it is made of wood, cloth, leather, or sackcloth. Put it in water; it will be unclean until evening, and then it will be clean." These laws served as a constant reminder of the holiness required by God and the separation between the sacred and the profane. The Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, and adherence to these dietary and purity laws was a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with God. Symbolic and Theological Significance The designation of creeping things as unclean also carries symbolic meaning. In the broader biblical narrative, these creatures often represent chaos, disorder, and impurity. The association of creeping things with the curse of the serpent in Genesis 3:14 underscores their symbolic connection to sin and the fall. The serpent, a creature that moves on its belly, is cursed above all livestock and wild animals, highlighting the enmity between humanity and these creatures. Furthermore, the distinction between clean and unclean animals is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the need for discernment and obedience to God's commands. The laws concerning creeping things remind believers of the importance of holiness and the call to live in accordance with God's standards. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the ceremonial laws regarding clean and unclean animals are reinterpreted in light of Christ's redemptive work. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in which he is commanded to eat animals previously considered unclean. Acts 10:15 records the voice saying, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community and the abrogation of dietary restrictions as a means of defining holiness. While the specific laws concerning creeping things are no longer binding on Christians, the underlying principles of holiness, purity, and obedience to God remain central to the Christian faith. The call to be set apart and to live in a manner pleasing to God continues to resonate with believers today. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 5:2Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 11:20,29-44 Deuteronomy 14:19 Library Prophecies of the Sibyl. Peter's Apologia Now, Since we are Upon the Subject of Peter... The First Book of Our Answer to the Treatise of Celsus... The Second Beatitude First Greek Form. From the Fall to the Flood. Revelation of John. And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil A Seeker for Truth Resources What is man / mankind / humanity? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about animal/pet euthanasia? | GotQuestions.org Creeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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