Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the classification of animals into clean and unclean categories is a significant aspect of the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The bat is specifically mentioned among the unclean creatures in the Old Testament. Although modern taxonomy classifies bats as mammals, the ancient Hebrew classification grouped them with birds due to their ability to fly.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to the bat as an unclean creature is found in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in Deuteronomy. In Leviticus 11:13-19 , the text lists various birds that are considered detestable and not to be eaten by the Israelites. The passage concludes with the mention of the bat: "These you shall regard as detestable among the birds. They must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, 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." Similarly, Deuteronomy 14:11-18 reiterates the list of unclean birds, again concluding with the bat: "You may eat any clean bird, but these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, 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." Cultural and Theological Context: The classification of the bat as unclean is rooted in the broader Levitical laws that distinguish between clean and unclean animals. These laws served not only as dietary guidelines but also as a means of setting the Israelites apart from other nations, emphasizing holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The bat, with its nocturnal habits and association with darkness, may have been perceived as symbolically impure, contributing to its classification as unclean. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the bat's inclusion among birds is understandable given the lack of modern scientific distinctions between mammals and birds. The focus was on observable characteristics, such as the ability to fly, rather than on biological taxonomy. Symbolism and Interpretation: Throughout history, the bat has often been associated with negative symbolism, such as darkness and death, which may have influenced its designation as unclean. In biblical literature, the emphasis on separation from unclean animals underscores the call for the Israelites to live distinctively holy lives, avoiding practices and associations that could lead to spiritual impurity. The mention of the bat in the list of unclean birds serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of the Levitical laws, which covered all aspects of life, including diet, to maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:19And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 2:20 Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. 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