Topical Encyclopedia The term "ossifrage" appears in the context of the dietary laws given to the Israelites, specifically in the list of unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. The ossifrage is mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which outline the dietary restrictions for the people of Israel.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 bearded 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 bearded vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, 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." In these passages, the ossifrage is often translated as the "bearded vulture" or "lammergeier," a bird known for its distinctive appearance and dietary habits. The ossifrage is characterized by its large size and its unique feeding behavior, which includes breaking bones to access the marrow inside. This behavior is reflected in the name "ossifrage," which means "bone breaker." Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In the ancient Near Eastern context, birds of prey, including the ossifrage, were often associated with death and desolation due to their scavenging nature. The ossifrage, as a bird that feeds on carrion and bones, was considered unclean according to the Levitical law. This classification underscores the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between clean and unclean, pure and impure, as a means of setting the Israelites apart as a holy people dedicated to God. The prohibition against consuming unclean birds like the ossifrage served not only as a dietary guideline but also as a spiritual and cultural boundary marker. It reinforced the Israelites' identity and their covenant relationship with God, emphasizing obedience and holiness in all aspects of life. Theological Implications: The inclusion of the ossifrage in the list of unclean birds highlights the biblical principle of separation from practices and creatures deemed impure. This separation is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, where God's people are called to live distinctively in accordance with His commandments. The dietary laws, including the prohibition of the ossifrage, are part of the broader Mosaic Law that pointed to the need for holiness and the ultimate fulfillment of the law in Christ. While the specific dietary restrictions are not binding on Christians today, as articulated in the New Testament (see Acts 10:9-16), the underlying principle of living a life set apart for God remains relevant. The ossifrage, as an unclean bird, serves as a reminder of the call to discernment and the pursuit of purity in the life of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:13And these are they which you shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org What does God want me to do? | 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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