Topical Encyclopedia Swine, or pigs, hold a significant place in biblical texts, particularly in the context of dietary laws and the condemnation of ungodly behavior among the Israelites. According to the Mosaic Law, swine are considered unclean animals, and the consumption of their flesh is strictly prohibited. This prohibition is rooted in the Levitical code, which outlines the dietary restrictions for the Israelites as a means of setting them apart as a holy people unto the Lord.In Leviticus 11:7-8 , the law explicitly states: "And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, 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 importance of maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's statutes. The consumption of swine's flesh is not merely a dietary issue but is often depicted as a symbol of rebellion and apostasy among the Israelites. In Isaiah 65:3-4 , the prophet condemns the people for their idolatrous practices, which include eating swine's flesh: "These people continually provoke Me to My face, sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick, sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs, and polluted broth from their bowls." This imagery is further expanded in Isaiah 66:17 , where the prophet warns of divine retribution for those who engage in such practices: "Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves, following after one in the midst of those who eat the flesh of pigs and rats and other abominations—they will meet their end together, declares the LORD." The New Testament also addresses the issue of swine, albeit in a different context. In the Gospels, Jesus uses the imagery of swine to illustrate spiritual truths. In Matthew 7:6 , He advises, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." Here, swine symbolize those who are unable or unwilling to appreciate the value of spiritual truths. The account of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:11-13 further highlights the association of swine with uncleanness and demonic activity. When Jesus casts out the legion of demons, they enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. This dramatic event underscores the Jewish understanding of swine as unclean and the power of Christ over evil. Throughout the biblical narrative, the consumption of swine's flesh serves as a potent symbol of disobedience and spiritual defilement. The prohibition against eating swine is not merely a dietary restriction but a call to holiness and separation from practices that are detestable to God. The condemnation of ungodly Jews for eating swine's flesh serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the consequences of straying from His path. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 65:4Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 66:17 Library Nothing but Leaves Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... The Second Oration on Easter. Concerning the Ministry. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. A Treatise of the Fear of God; A Few Sighs from Hell; Resources What is a proverb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho is my neighbor, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to love your neighbor as you love yourself? | GotQuestions.org Swine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Swine: Described: Destructive to Agriculture Swine: Described: Fierce and Ungenerous Swine: Described: Filthy in Its Habits Swine: Herding of, Considered As the Greatest Degradation to a Jew Swine: Jesus Sends Demons Into The Swine: Sacrificing of, an Abomination Swine: Sow Returns to Her Wallowing Swine: The Gergesenes Punished for Having Swine: The Ungodly Jews Condemned for Eating Swine: Unclean and not to be Eaten Swine: when Wild Inhabited the Woods Related Terms Interpretation (45 Occurrences) Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences) |
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