Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the pelican is classified among the unclean birds, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The designation of certain birds as unclean is found in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where God provides the Israelites with dietary laws and guidelines for distinguishing between clean and unclean animals.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:13-18 : "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 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." In these passages, the pelican is included in the list of birds that are considered unclean and therefore not to be consumed by the Israelites. The specific mention of the pelican in these lists underscores its status as a bird that is to be avoided in the dietary practices of the ancient Israelites. Symbolism and Characteristics: The pelican is often associated with desolation and abandonment in the Bible. In Psalm 102:6 , the psalmist laments, "I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert." Here, the pelican is used metaphorically to express a sense of isolation and desolation, reflecting the bird's natural habitat in solitary and desolate places. The pelican's behavior and habitat contribute to its symbolic representation. Known for its solitary nature and its habitation in deserted areas, the pelican becomes a fitting symbol for loneliness and desolation. This imagery is consistent with the broader biblical theme of unclean animals often being associated with wilderness and desolation. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the classification of animals into clean and unclean categories was not only a matter of dietary law but also held spiritual and cultural significance. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations and to instill a sense of holiness and purity in their daily lives. The pelican, as an unclean bird, would have been avoided by the Israelites in their diet and possibly in other aspects of life, reflecting a broader principle of separation from that which is considered impure or defiled. This separation was a tangible expression of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, who called them to be a holy people. In summary, the pelican's classification as an unclean bird in the Bible is rooted in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, its symbolic representation of desolation, and its role in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:18And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 102:6 Library On the Animals The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects 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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