SHOULD I, SHOULD I NOT? Leviticus 11 The book of Leviticus acts as a guide for priests. The sacrifices, rituals, and ceremonies were not meant for people to invent or originate on their own. The word of the Lord was the foundation that settled every issue, and man's duty was to obey without altering God's instructions. Anything based on human wisdom that conflicts with God's Word dishonors His divine will. The authority of God's Word remains valid across all ages, generations, and cultures.
Animals that only eat plants were considered clean. Disease and pollution can come from eating meat or from decayed, easily spoiled, or poisonous foods. Also, in cultures that worship idols, “unclean” animals were offered to false gods, and the Lord didn’t want His people to have anything to do with false gods. It wasn’t touching unclean animals that was forbidden because the Jews could use donkeys and camels for work. Insects with legs above their feet, like grasshoppers, don’t walk in manure or dirty places. The word “abomination” is stronger than just avoiding something. God wanted His people to be protected from disease, idolatry, and the physical, moral, and spiritual uncleanness that comes with a sin-polluted world.
The detailed descriptions of clean and unclean animals clearly illustrate the difference between what is suitable for food and what is not permissible to eat. There are actions we can take, and there are actions the people of God should never engage in under any circumstances. Even if something seems appealing and appears harmless, we are not free to do as we please when it conflicts with God's will. Clean animals that chew the cud and have cloven hooves consume food from sources that are not contaminated by unclean things of the world.
The lesson from this is that when we read and meditate on the Word of God, we are gaining spiritual nourishment that isn't contaminated by the corrupted, worldly food. Meditating on God's word and will shapes how we live outwardly, in ways that please God. When we read the Bible, it's crucial to truly understand and absorb what we read. Before teaching others, we should study the Scriptures ourselves. As we practice and share what we learn, we must make sure that our daily walk with the Lord aligns with God's revealed word. The cloven-hoofed animals symbolize a careful and steady walk, which is expected of us if we are to represent the Lord well.
Knowledge of the word of God promotes love for God and others. Righteousness in life alone can be strict and harsh if someone is trying to build a good reputation. Love by itself can be easy, wavering, and tolerant of error and laxness. The value of each depends on its connection with the other. Righteousness and love belong together in the lives of God's people. When combined, they lead to the holiness of mind and life that God desires in His people. God was protecting the children of Israel from diseases that are transmitted by unclean animals that feed on unclean food.
Our Lord calls us to pursue personal holiness. Holy living happens when we spend time with the Lord. We will find the strength to become more like Him as we read His word and reflect on who He is and what He does. We will make mistakes and sin because we are still in bodies suited for the earth. But we should strive to be holy because our God is holy. When we take His yoke upon us and learn from our Lord Jesus Christ, we can overcome many areas of sin. As we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, it becomes clear that we serve a holy God and love Him because others will see His characteristics in us.
Fish with fins and scales are considered clean and suitable for food. They are not bottom feeders that consume debris and decaying matter on the ocean, pond, or stream floor. They are adapted to the water element in which they live. Fins help them avoid dangers around them and provide strength against tides and currents. Scales help prevent their skin from being pierced. To navigate this world safely, we need the ability to "flee youthful lusts" that seek to entrap us and to "abstain from all appearance of evil." The scales remind us of our power to resist things that oppose us and "war against the soul." The Holy Spirit empowers us to move forward in God's work and to resist the influences of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
The birds that feed on flesh were all unclean. Even if they can fly high, if they consume unclean things, humans should not eat them. Any birds that wandered around and ate dirt were considered unclean and forbidden as food for the children of Israel. The same rule applies to reptiles and insects, except for those that hop. The boundaries of the Israelites' camp were to be strictly maintained. Then, God's divine grace was fully realized when the law was fulfilled through the new covenant. Now, because of God's grace, what was once considered common and unclean has been made clean by God Himself.
Moral impurity prevents us from experiencing holiness. The physical prohibitions teach us spiritual truths through concrete lessons. Some challenges we face in life are acceptable, while others are not. Spiritual discernment comes from God, who said, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” He wants us to be consecrated to Him willingly and with joy.