Topical Bible: Swine: Sacrificing of, an Abomination

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, swine, or pigs, are consistently regarded as unclean animals, and their sacrifice is considered an abomination. This perspective is rooted in the dietary laws given to the Israelites and the broader theological implications of purity and holiness.

Old Testament Context

The prohibition against consuming or sacrificing swine is explicitly stated in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 11:7-8 , the Lord declares, "And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you." This commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 14:8 , emphasizing the pig's status as an unclean animal.

The sacrificial system established in the Old Testament was designed to maintain the holiness of the Israelites and their worship practices. Sacrifices were to be made with clean animals, as outlined in Leviticus 1-7. The offering of unclean animals, such as swine, would defile the altar and violate the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of Israel often condemned the practice of sacrificing swine as a symbol of Israel's apostasy and rebellion against God. In Isaiah 65:3-4 , the Lord expresses His displeasure with those who "sacrifice in gardens and burn incense on altars of brick, who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil, who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of unclean meat." This passage highlights the association of swine sacrifices with idolatrous practices and spiritual defilement.

Similarly, Isaiah 66:17 warns of judgment against those who "consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves, following after one in the midst, eating the flesh of pigs and the vermin and rats." The consumption and sacrifice of swine are depicted as acts of rebellion that provoke divine wrath.

Intertestamental and New Testament Perspectives

During the intertestamental period, the Jewish aversion to swine was further solidified by historical events, such as the desecration of the Second Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who sacrificed a pig on the altar, as recorded in the apocryphal books of the Maccabees. This act was seen as a profound abomination and a catalyst for the Maccabean Revolt.

In the New Testament, while the dietary laws are reinterpreted in light of Christ's fulfillment of the Law, the symbolic association of swine with uncleanness persists. In Matthew 7:6 , Jesus uses the metaphor of casting "pearls before swine" to illustrate the futility of offering what is holy to those who cannot appreciate it. This metaphor underscores the continued perception of swine as unworthy and unclean.

Theological Implications

The prohibition against sacrificing swine reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from impurity. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart for God's purposes, and their worship practices were to reflect this calling. The sacrifice of swine, therefore, was not merely a violation of dietary laws but an affront to the sanctity of the covenant relationship with God.

In summary, the sacrificing of swine is consistently portrayed in Scripture as an abomination, symbolizing spiritual defilement and rebellion against divine commandments. This perspective is deeply rooted in the theological framework of holiness and the covenantal identity of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 66:3
He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burns incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ...
... with them in this place for their sacrificing, as if ... more than "a dog's neck" or
"swine's flesh?" It ... most part of your performances are abomination and iniquity ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix to what purpose.htm

Jesus in the Garden of Olives.
... their vats,8 and demons to make swine cast themselves ... God and that love which was
sacrificing itself ... consequences of each sin, and the abomination of desolation ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter i jesus in the.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

part ii
... Pride is of the demon; malice is of the same demon; envy of the same demon; the
abomination of fornication is of the same demon; enforced blasphemy, of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm