Topical Encyclopedia In the dietary laws given to the Israelites, fish held a significant place as a source of sustenance. According to Levitical law, only fish with fins and scales were deemed clean and permissible for consumption. This regulation is found in Leviticus 11:9-12 : "Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. But anything that does not have fins and scales—whether in the seas or rivers—regardless of their other creatures that swarm in the water, you are to regard as unclean."The distinction between clean and unclean fish was part of the broader dietary laws that set the Israelites apart from other nations, emphasizing holiness and obedience to God's commandments. Fish that lacked fins and scales, such as eels and catfish, were considered unclean and were not to be eaten. Fish was a common food in the diet of the Jewish people, especially for those living near the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean coast. The abundance of fish in these regions made it a staple food. The New Testament provides several instances of fish being consumed and shared. For example, in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed the multitude (Matthew 14:17-21). This event underscores the importance of fish as a readily available and nourishing food source. The practice of fishing was a significant occupation among the Jews, with several of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, being fishermen by trade (Matthew 4:18-22). The Sea of Galilee, in particular, was known for its rich fish population, and fishing was a vital part of the local economy. In addition to its dietary role, fish also held symbolic meaning in Jewish and early Christian contexts. The fish symbol, known as the Ichthys, became an early Christian symbol representing Jesus Christ, as the Greek word for fish, "ichthys," was an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." Overall, fish served as an essential and permissible food source for the Jewish people, aligning with the dietary laws that emphasized purity and obedience to God's commands. The consumption of fish with fins and scales was a practice that reinforced the distinct identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 7:10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Five Thousand Fed. The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ... The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ... New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ... The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Matt. xiv. 13 Tillotson -- the Reasonableness of a Resurrection Jesus the Bread of Life. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Resources How does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 2) | GotQuestions.org In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Fishes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fishes of Men Ignorant of Future Events Fishes of the Whole Population of Egypt Fishes of Those Ensnared by the Wicked Fishes used As Food by the Egyptians Fishes used As Food by the Jews Fishes: (Bad) of Mere Professors Fishes: Cannot Live Without Water Fishes: Different in Flesh from Beasts Fishes: Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Fishes: Man Given Dominion Over Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Dressed on the Shore Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Immense Draughts of Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Multiplying a Few Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Procuring Tribute Money From Fishes: Mode of Cooking Alluded To Fishes: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Fishes: Sold Near the Fish Gate at Jerusalem Fishes: Solomon Wrote the History of Fishes: Taken With: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Fishes: The People of Tyre Traded In Related Terms |
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