The lapwing is mentioned in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. It is listed among the birds that are considered unclean and therefore forbidden for consumption. The specific reference to the lapwing can be found in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where God provides Moses with a detailed list of animals that the Israelites are not to eat.

Biblical References:

In Leviticus 11:13-19 , the lapwing is included in the list of birds that are detestable and should not be eaten: "These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." The term "lapwing" is often associated with the "hoopoe" in various translations and interpretations.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 14:11-18 reiterates the prohibition: "You may eat any clean bird, but these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat."

Identification and Characteristics:

The lapwing, often identified with the hoopoe in biblical translations, is a bird known for its distinctive appearance and behavior. The hoopoe (Upupa epops) is characterized by its striking crown of feathers, long beak, and unique call. It is a migratory bird found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The lapwing, in a broader sense, may also refer to birds in the family Charadriidae, known for their crested heads and distinctive flight patterns.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The prohibition against eating the lapwing, along with other unclean birds, is part of the broader dietary laws that were given to the Israelites to set them apart as a holy people. These laws served not only as a means of physical health and hygiene but also as a spiritual discipline, teaching obedience and the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common.

The lapwing's inclusion in the list of unclean birds may be attributed to its feeding habits and habitat, as many of the birds considered unclean are scavengers or birds of prey. The dietary laws, therefore, reflect a divine order that emphasizes purity and separation from practices that were common among surrounding nations.

Interpretation and Application:

From a conservative Christian perspective, the dietary laws, including the prohibition of the lapwing, are seen as part of the Old Covenant, which was fulfilled in Christ. While these specific laws are not binding on Christians today, they hold symbolic significance, pointing to the need for spiritual purity and the call to live a life set apart for God. The principles underlying these laws continue to inspire believers to seek holiness in all aspects of life.Leviticus 11:19
And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 14:18
And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
Nave's Topical Index

Lapwing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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