Topical Encyclopedia The term "seamew" refers to a type of seabird, commonly known as a gull, which is mentioned in the context of biblical dietary laws. In the Bible, birds are often categorized as clean or unclean, with specific instructions given to the Israelites regarding which birds could be consumed. The seamew is included in the list of unclean birds, which the Israelites were prohibited from eating.Biblical References: The seamew is mentioned in the context of dietary laws in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God provides Moses and the Israelites with a list of animals that are considered unclean and should not be eaten. The Berean Standard Bible translates these passages as follows: · Leviticus 11:13-19 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, every kind of raven, the ostrich, 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." · Deuteronomy 14:12-18 : "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, 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." In these passages, the "gull" is identified as an unclean bird. The term "seamew" is often used interchangeably with "gull" in various translations and interpretations of the Bible. The inclusion of the seamew in the list of unclean birds underscores the importance of adhering to the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites, which were intended to set them apart as a holy people. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In biblical times, the seamew, like other unclean birds, was likely associated with scavenging and feeding on carrion, which contributed to its classification as unclean. The dietary laws served not only as a means of physical health and hygiene but also as a spiritual discipline, reminding the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God and their call to holiness. The seamew's presence in the list of unclean birds highlights the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean. This distinction is a recurring motif throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the need for God's people to live in obedience and purity. Modern Considerations: While the specific dietary laws regarding clean and unclean animals are not typically observed by Christians today, as the New Testament teaches that all foods are clean (Mark 7:18-19, Acts 10:15), the principles behind these laws continue to hold spiritual significance. They remind believers of the importance of living a life set apart for God, characterized by holiness and obedience to His commands. In summary, the seamew, as an unclean bird in the biblical dietary laws, serves as a symbol of the call to holiness and the distinctiveness of God's people. Its mention in Scripture reflects the broader theological themes of purity, obedience, and the covenant relationship between God and His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEA-MEWse'-mu (shachaph; laros; Latin, Larus canus): The sea-gull. Used by modern translators in the list of abominations in the place of the cuckoo (Leviticus 11:16 Deuteronomy 14:15). It is very probable that the sea-gull comes closer to the bird intended than the CUCKOO (which see). The sea-gull is a "slender" bird, but not "lean" as the root shachaph implies. However, with its stretch of wing and restless flight it gives this impression. Gulls are common all along the Mediterranean coast and around the Sea of Galilee. They are thought to have more intelligence than the average bird, and to share with some eagles, hawks, vultures and the raven the knowledge that if they find mollusk they cannot break they can carry it aloft and drop it on the rocks. Only a wise bird learns this. Most feathered creatures pick at an unyielding surface a few times and then seek food elsewhere. There are two reasons why these birds went on the abomination lists. To a steady diet of fish they add carrion. Then they are birds of such nervous energy, so exhaustless in flight, so daring in flying directly into the face of fierce winds, that the Moslems believed them to be tenanted with the souls of the damned. Moses was reared and educated among the Egyptians, and the laws he formulated often are tinged by traces of his early life. History fails to record any instance of a man reared in Egypt who permitted the killing of a gull, ibis, or hoopoe. Thesaurus Seamew (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Seamew (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:16 and the ostrich, and the night-hawk, and the seamew, and the hawk after its kind, (ASV). ... /s/seamew.htm - 8k Sea-mew (2 Occurrences) Cuckoo (2 Occurrences) Seamen (6 Occurrences) Night-hawk (2 Occurrences) Ostrich (9 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Seamew (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 11:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |