Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the hawk is classified among the unclean birds, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The designation of certain birds as unclean is found primarily in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where God provides dietary laws to the Israelites. These laws were intended to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to promote holiness and obedience to God's commands.Biblical References: 1. 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 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." 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, every 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." In these passages, the hawk is listed among other birds of prey and scavengers, which are considered unclean. The term "hawk" in the biblical text likely refers to a variety of birds within the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, eagles, and kites. These birds are characterized by their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and carnivorous diet, often feeding on small mammals, reptiles, and other birds. Symbolism and Characteristics: The hawk, as a bird of prey, is often associated with swiftness and keen vision. In the ancient Near Eastern context, birds of prey were sometimes seen as symbols of destruction and desolation due to their scavenging nature. The unclean status of the hawk and similar birds in the biblical dietary laws underscores the distinction between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean. Cultural and Religious Significance: The classification of the hawk as unclean reflects broader themes in the Old Testament regarding purity, holiness, and the separation of God's people from practices deemed impure or idolatrous. The dietary laws served not only as health guidelines but also as a means of reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to living according to God's standards. In summary, the hawk is one of the many birds identified as unclean in the Bible, symbolizing the importance of obedience to divine commandments and the maintenance of spiritual purity among God's chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:17And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 39:26 Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... For which Reason, Whatever Else There May be in the Writings of ... On the Animals The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Glory of the Trinity Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 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