Topical Bible: Swine for Sacrifice

Bible > Topical > Swine for Sacrifice

◄ Swine for Sacrifice ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context and Prohibition:

Swine, or pigs, are mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of dietary laws and sacrificial practices. According to the Mosaic Law, swine are considered unclean animals and are explicitly prohibited from being used in sacrifices or consumed as food. Leviticus 11:7-8 states, "And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you." This prohibition is reiterated in Deuteronomy 14:8 , emphasizing the swine's status as an unclean animal.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Israelites were set apart from surrounding nations through their dietary and sacrificial practices. The prohibition against swine was part of a broader set of laws designed to maintain ritual purity and holiness among the people of Israel. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their call to be a holy nation (Leviticus 20:25-26).

Historical Violations and Consequences:

Despite the clear prohibitions, there are instances in biblical history where swine were used in sacrilegious acts. One notable event is the desecration of the Second Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, as recorded in the apocryphal books of the Maccabees. Antiochus, in an attempt to Hellenize the Jewish people and suppress their religious practices, sacrificed a pig on the altar of the Temple, an act of profound defilement and blasphemy. This event is not directly recorded in the canonical books of the Bible but is significant in Jewish history and is alluded to in the prophetic visions of Daniel (Daniel 11:31).

Symbolic and Theological Implications:

The use of swine in sacrificial contexts, particularly in acts of desecration, symbolizes rebellion against God's commandments and the defilement of what is holy. In the New Testament, Jesus references swine in His teachings to illustrate spiritual truths. In Matthew 7:6 , He warns, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." Here, swine symbolize those who are unable to appreciate or respect the sacred.

Eschatological Considerations:

In eschatological passages, the consumption and sacrifice of swine are associated with judgment and apostasy. Isaiah 66:17 speaks of those who "consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves, following after one in the midst, eating the flesh of pigs and vermin and rats," highlighting the abomination of such practices in the eyes of the Lord. This passage underscores the enduring significance of the dietary laws as a marker of faithfulness to God.

Conclusion:

The biblical prohibition against the use of swine for sacrifice reflects the broader theme of holiness and separation that characterizes the covenant relationship between God and His people. Swine, as unclean animals, serve as a powerful symbol of defilement and rebellion when used in sacrificial contexts, contrasting with the purity and sanctity required in true worship.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 66:3
He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burns incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

If, Then, These Things are Vain, and are not Supported by any ...
... if because the Earth is a mother she is in like manner to be entertained with gravid
swine, then also Apollo should be honoured by the sacrifice of musicians ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/22 if then these things.htm

Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ...
... ??sop said not badly, that "swine squeaked out very loudly, because, when they were
dragged, they knew that they were good for nothing but for sacrifice.". ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi prayers and praise from.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... This is evident; for that it is better than sacrifices, than all sacrifice. ... fain
have filled his belly,' saith our Lord, 'with the husks that the swine did eat ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By ...
... during the siege, he compelled the Jews to dissolve the laws of their country, and
to keep their infants uncircumcised, and to sacrifice swine's flesh upon the ...
/.../chapter 1 how the city.htm

Faustus Avows his Disbelief in the Old Testament and his Disregard ...
... hand, was cruel to the swine when He granted the request of the devils to be allowed
to enter into them. [353] The same Lord Jesus, before the sacrifice of His ...
/.../faustus avows his disbelief in.htm

Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... For, instead of the legally-appointed lamb, they have learned to sacrifice to Baal ...
a dog, he that offereth fine flour, is as [if he offered] swine's blood, he ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xix for 347 coss rufinus.htm

How
... And when the king had built an idol altar upon God's altar, he slew swine upon it,
and so offered a sacrifice neither according to the law, nor the Jewish ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how.htm

The Fraud, Pride, and Tyrannical Kingdom of Antichrist, as ...
... may refer to Antiochus Epiphanes, Antichrist's prototype, who offered swine upon
the ... thusian hamartia, ie, sin has been given against (or, upon) the sacrifice. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxv the fraud pride and.htm

First Sunday after Epiphany
... Indeed, such fragmentary patchwork scarcely deserves recognition as a sacrifice
when the ... he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine's blood; he ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared for me ... He
esteems it so little that he often casts it to swine, the profane and wicked ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm