Topical Bible: Beasts: Unclean: Mole

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of biblical law, the mole is classified among the unclean animals, which the Israelites were prohibited from eating. The classification of animals into clean and unclean is primarily found in the Mosaic Law, specifically in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These dietary laws were given to the Israelites to set them apart as a holy people unto the Lord.

Biblical References:

The mole is mentioned in the context of unclean animals in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. While the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention the mole by name, the Hebrew term often translated as "mole" is found in these passages. Leviticus 11:29-30 lists various creatures that are considered unclean: "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." The mole is understood to be included in this broader category of creatures that move along the ground.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israel, the distinction between clean and unclean animals was not merely about dietary restrictions but also about maintaining ritual purity. The Israelites were called to be a people set apart, and adherence to these laws was a sign of their covenant relationship with God. The prohibition against eating unclean animals, including those like the mole, served as a daily reminder of their unique identity and calling.

The mole, as a burrowing creature, was likely associated with the earth and darkness, which may have contributed to its classification as unclean. In the ancient Near Eastern context, animals that lived underground or had nocturnal habits were often viewed with suspicion or considered impure.

Symbolic Interpretations:

From a symbolic perspective, the mole's subterranean lifestyle can be seen as representing spiritual blindness or ignorance. In biblical literature, light is often associated with knowledge, truth, and divine revelation, while darkness can symbolize ignorance or separation from God. Thus, the mole's hidden, underground existence might metaphorically suggest a life lived apart from the light of God's truth.

Theological Reflections:

The laws concerning clean and unclean animals, including the mole, point to a broader theological theme of holiness and separation. For Christians, these Old Testament dietary laws are often understood as part of the ceremonial law fulfilled in Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 2:16-17 , "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ."

While the specific dietary restrictions are no longer binding for Christians, the underlying principle of living a life set apart for God remains relevant. The call to holiness, as reflected in the distinction between clean and unclean, continues to challenge believers to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His character.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:30
And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:20
In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... such as were lunatic, and possessed with unclean spirits and ... between them, than between
the least mole-hill and ... to behold many who die like beasts without any ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm