Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "rat" is not explicitly mentioned in most English translations, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the concept and presence of rodents, which would include rats, can be inferred from various passages that discuss unclean animals and pests.Biblical References and Context 1. Unclean Animals: In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, the Mosaic Law provides detailed instructions on clean and unclean animals. While rats are not specifically named, they fall under the category of "creeping things" that are considered unclean. Leviticus 11:29-31 states, "Of the animals 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." This passage highlights the rat as part of a broader category of creatures that were not to be consumed or touched by the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity. 2. Pests and Plagues: Rats, as common pests, are often associated with destruction and disease. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines, after capturing the Ark of the Covenant, are afflicted with a plague. In an attempt to appease the God of Israel, they create golden images of the tumors and rats that were ravaging their land. 1 Samuel 6:4-5 records, "The Philistines asked, 'What guilt offering should we send to Him?' And they replied, 'Five gold tumors and five gold rats, according to the number of the Philistine rulers, because the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are destroying the land, and give glory to the God of Israel.'" This passage illustrates the destructive nature of rats and their symbolic representation of divine judgment. 3. Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical symbolism, rats can represent uncleanness, destruction, and divine judgment. Their presence in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant underscores the consequences of disobedience and the need for reverence towards God. The use of rats in the guilt offering by the Philistines signifies an acknowledgment of God's power and a plea for mercy. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rats were likely common pests, as they are today. Their ability to spread disease and consume stored food would have made them a significant concern for agrarian societies. The biblical references to rats and similar creatures reflect the practical and spiritual challenges they posed to the Israelites. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the mention of rats in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and the consequences of sin. The laws concerning unclean animals, including rats, highlight the need for separation from impurity and the pursuit of a life that honors God. The narrative involving the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant further emphasizes God's sovereignty and the necessity of respecting His holiness. In summary, while the Bible does not frequently mention rats explicitly, their presence in the scriptural narrative serves as a symbol of uncleanness and divine judgment, reflecting broader themes of purity, obedience, and reverence for God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One of several species of small rodents of the genus Mus and allied genera, larger than mice, that infest houses, stores, and ships, especially the Norway, or brown, rat (M. decumanus), the black rat (M. rattus), and the roof rat (M. Alexandrinus). These were introduced into America from the Old World.2. (n.) A round and tapering mass of hair, or similar material, used by women to support the puffs and rolls of their natural hair. 3. (n.) One who deserts his party or associates; hence, in the trades, one who works for lower wages than those prescribed by a trades union. 4. (v. i.) In English politics, to desert one's party from interested motives; to forsake one's associates for one's own advantage; in the trades, to work for less wages, or on other conditions, than those established by a trades union. 5. (v. i.) To catch or kill rats. Greek 3841. pantokrator -- almighty ... almighty. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: pantokrator Phonetic Spelling: (pan-tok-rat'-ore) Short Definition: ruler of the universe Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3841.htm - 7k 193. akrates -- powerless, impotent 194. akratos -- unmixed Strong's Hebrew 7569. rattoq -- a chain... 7568, 7569. rattoq. 7570 . a chain. Transliteration: rattoq Phonetic Spelling: (rat-toke') Short Definition: chain. Word Origin ... /hebrew/7569.htm - 6k 780. Ararat -- a district in E. Armenia 7572. rattiqah -- chain 6527. parat -- perhaps divide 2661. chaphor -- mole 3399. yarat -- to be precipitate, to precipitate 4803. marat -- to make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish 8295. sarat -- to incise, scratch Library Ranee Khet Mission. Enoch, the Deathless Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ... Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ... On the Way to Thebes Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick By Far the Ablest of These Seven Essays is from the Pen of the " ... A Question for the Beginning Fearlessness. Down the Islands Thesaurus Rat (1 Occurrence)... of small rodents of the genus Mus and allied genera, larger than mice, that infest houses, stores, and ships, especially the Norway, or brown, rat (M. decumanus ... /r/rat.htm - 7k Mole (2 Occurrences) Lizard (3 Occurrences) Weasel (1 Occurrence) Emerods (8 Occurrences) Rate (23 Occurrences) Zoology Levirate Gopher (1 Occurrence) Rasses Resources What does it mean that there is nothing new under the sun? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about snitching / being a snitch? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that we are not to love the world? | GotQuestions.org Rat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rat (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 11:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
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