Topical Bible: The Raven: Unclean and not to be Eaten

◄ The Raven: Unclean and not to be Eaten ►

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The raven, a bird of the Corvidae family, is mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing desolation and divine provision. In the context of dietary laws, the raven is classified as an unclean bird, not to be consumed by the Israelites.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The raven first appears in the narrative of Noah's Ark. After the floodwaters began to recede, Noah sent out a raven to see if the waters had abated from the earth. The raven "kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth" (Genesis 8:7). This passage highlights the raven's role in the post-flood narrative, symbolizing the transition from judgment to restoration.

In the Mosaic Law, the raven is explicitly listed among the birds that are considered unclean and therefore forbidden as food. Leviticus 11:13-15 states, "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven." Similarly, Deuteronomy 14:12-14 reiterates this prohibition, emphasizing the raven's status as unclean.

The raven's unclean status is consistent with the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, a distinction that underscores the Israelites' call to holiness and separation from pagan practices. The dietary laws served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their unique identity as His chosen people.

Ravens in the Prophetic and Wisdom Literature

Ravens also appear in the prophetic and wisdom literature of the Bible, often symbolizing God's provision and care. In 1 Kings 17:4-6 , God commands ravens to feed the prophet Elijah during a time of drought and famine: "You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." The ravens brought Elijah bread and meat, demonstrating God's sovereignty and provision even through creatures deemed unclean.

In the book of Job, the raven is mentioned in the context of God's care for all creation. Job 38:41 asks, "Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?" This rhetorical question highlights God's providential care for all creatures, regardless of their status as clean or unclean.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The raven's classification as unclean reflects broader cultural and theological themes within the biblical narrative. The distinction between clean and unclean animals is part of the holiness code that set Israel apart from other nations. By adhering to these dietary laws, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God and their commitment to living according to His statutes.

The raven's role in biblical narratives also serves as a reminder of God's provision and care, transcending human distinctions of clean and unclean. Despite its status, the raven is used by God to fulfill His purposes, illustrating the divine ability to use all of creation for His glory and the sustenance of His people.

In summary, the raven occupies a unique place in the biblical text, symbolizing both the unclean and the providential. Its presence in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the complexity of God's creation and His overarching care for all living things.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:15
Every raven after his kind;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:14
And every raven after his kind,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers.
... These common things, the sow, the hawk, the eagle, and the raven, are not to be
eaten." [3042] For the sow is the emblem of voluptuous and unclean lust of food ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii the use of the.htm

Sleep Not
... locks, bushy end black as a raven, fall thickly ... system; and good physicians sometimes
do not attempt to ... and heresy, false doctrine, and unclean profession are ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... or those who lack kindly feelings, for the raven did not ... in the milk of its dam,
ie should not be cajoled by ... fruits of the first three years as unclean: for in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... be clean thou shalt take seven, and of unclean beasts but ... And sent out a raven for
to have tidings, and ... the flood the earth was weaker and brought not forth so ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

Index of Subjects.
... from certain kinds of, [288]77; clean and unclean, [289]170 ... Raven and the dove, the,
sent forth from the ark ... Sensible objects, not to beloved, [816]51, [817]52. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

The Apology of Aristides as it is Preserved in the History of ...
... and is introduced for the washing of all unclean things ... bull and the pig; others
again, the raven and the ... And the poor creatures do not perceive about all these ...
/.../kay/the apology of aristides the philosopher/the apology of aristides as.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... extended even to animals: "They force the raven to fly ... Why, then, did Ea allow an
unclean mortal to ... over him: "'Well, Adapa, why hast thou not eaten"why hast ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... as he comes into the world, abides a confused lump, an unclean thing; a ... as the sequel
of the story clearly manifesteth; for had not Adam eaten thereof, he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm