Topical Bible: Beasts: Unclean: Badger

◄ Beasts: Unclean: Badger ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of biblical taxonomy, the term "badger" is often associated with the classification of unclean animals as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word often translated as "badger" in some older translations is "tachash," though its precise identification remains a subject of scholarly debate. In the Berean Standard Bible, the term is not directly translated as "badger," but the creature is often linked to discussions of unclean animals due to its mention in the context of tabernacle coverings and its potential classification among non-kosher animals.

Biblical References:

The term "tachash" appears in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle, where it is described as a material used for the outer covering. Exodus 25:5 states, "ram skins dyed red and fine leather." The "fine leather" is sometimes thought to refer to the skin of a creature like the badger, though interpretations vary, with some suggesting it could be a type of marine animal or a now-extinct species.

Unclean Status:

The classification of animals into clean and unclean is a significant aspect of the Levitical law. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide detailed lists of animals that are considered unclean and therefore not suitable for consumption by the Israelites. While the badger itself is not explicitly mentioned in these lists, its potential identification with the "tachash" and its general characteristics as a non-ruminant, non-cloven-hoofed animal would place it among the unclean.

Leviticus 11:27 states, "And all the four-footed animals that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening." This description could encompass creatures like the badger, which walks on paws and does not meet the criteria for clean land animals.

Symbolic and Cultural Significance:

In the broader cultural and symbolic context, unclean animals often represent spiritual impurity or separation from God’s holiness. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a daily reminder to the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God and their call to be a holy people, set apart from the surrounding nations.

The use of "tachash" skins in the Tabernacle, despite their association with an unclean animal, highlights the transformative power of God’s holiness. The Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God among His people, sanctified all materials used in its construction, symbolizing the redemption and purification that God offers to His people.

Conclusion:

The badger, as potentially linked to the biblical "tachash," serves as an example of the complex interplay between cultural, historical, and theological elements in the biblical text. Its classification as unclean underscores the broader biblical themes of holiness, separation, and the transformative power of God’s presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 25:5
And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 16:10
I clothed you also with broidered work, and shod you with badgers' skin, and I girded you about with fine linen, and I covered you with silk.
Torrey's Topical Textbook