Topical Encyclopedia The cormorant is listed among the unclean birds in the Bible, specifically in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws are found in the Pentateuch, where God provides instructions on which animals are permissible to eat and which are not. The cormorant is mentioned in two key passages: Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:13-19 : "These are the birds you are to detest and not eat 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." 2. 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 ostrich, 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." Characteristics and Symbolism: The cormorant is a large, fish-eating bird known for its excellent diving ability. It is often found near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and coastal regions. In biblical times, the cormorant's diet and habitat would have been well-known to the Israelites, contributing to its classification as unclean. The designation of the cormorant as unclean is part of a broader biblical theme that distinguishes between clean and unclean animals. This distinction is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing holiness and separation from practices that were common among surrounding nations. Cultural and Theological Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, dietary laws served not only as health guidelines but also as a means of cultural and religious identity. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God and their distinctiveness as His chosen people. The unclean status of the cormorant, along with other birds of prey and scavengers, reflects a divine order that associates certain animals with impurity, likely due to their feeding habits and environments. Theologically, the unclean birds, including the cormorant, symbolize spiritual discernment and the call to avoid practices that defile or lead away from God's holiness. The cormorant's inclusion in the list of unclean birds serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity in one's life and community. Conclusion: The cormorant, as an unclean bird, holds a specific place within the biblical dietary laws, reflecting broader themes of holiness, obedience, and separation from impurity. Its mention in the Scriptures underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the distinct identity of the Israelite people as set apart for His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:17And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 34:11 Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Eighth Commandment Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is theistic evolution? | GotQuestions.org How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
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