“These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.”
Context: Leviticus 11 is a chapter in the Old Testament that deals with the dietary laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. These laws outlined which animals were clean and could be eaten, and which were unclean and were to be avoided.
Explanation: In Leviticus 11:31, the focus is on creatures that creep or crawl on the ground. The verse states that whoever touches these creatures when they are dead will become unclean until evening.
The concept of cleanliness and uncleanness in the book of Leviticus is not primarily concerned with physical hygiene, but rather with ceremonial and symbolic purity. The purpose of these regulations was to set apart the Israelites as a holy people, distinct from the nations around them. It was a way for them to demonstrate their obedience and faithfulness to God.
The specific creatures mentioned in this verse are not listed, but they are likely referring to small creatures such as certain insects, reptiles, or rodents that crawl or creep on the ground. The broader context of Leviticus 11 provides a detailed list of animals that are considered unclean, including various insects, rodents, and reptiles.
When a person touched any of these unclean creatures, especially if they were dead, they would become ceremonially unclean. This meant that they would be temporarily disqualified from participating in certain religious activities until they underwent the necessary purification rituals, which typically involved washing with water and waiting until evening.
Significance: The dietary laws and regulations in Leviticus 11 served several purposes for the Israelites. Firstly, they served as a means of distinguishing the Israelites from the surrounding pagan nations. By following these laws, they demonstrated their obedience to God’s commands and their commitment to maintaining a holy and separate identity.
Secondly, these laws also had health and hygiene benefits. Some of the animals listed as unclean were more prone to carrying diseases or parasites, and by avoiding them, the Israelites reduced the risk of contamination and illness.
Lastly, these regulations were meant to teach spiritual principles. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a symbol of the greater distinction between holiness and impurity. It was a reminder that God is holy and that His people were called to be holy as well.
Application: As Christians, we are not bound by the dietary laws and regulations of the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and the apostles affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to observe these laws (Acts 15:28-29). However, we can still draw some spiritual lessons from these regulations.
Firstly, we can learn the importance of holiness. Just as the Israelites were called to be a holy people, we, as Christians, are called to live lives that are set apart for God’s purposes. We are called to pursue righteousness and moral purity, reflecting the character of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Secondly, we can learn the significance of being separate from the world. While we are called to be in the world, we are not to be of the world (John 17:14-16). We should avoid being contaminated by the sinful practices and values of the world around us, instead pursuing a life that aligns with God’s Word and His will for us.
In conclusion, Leviticus 11:31 emphasizes the ceremonial uncleanness that results from touching certain unclean creatures. While the dietary laws and regulations are not binding on Christians today, they still offer valuable insights into holiness, separation, and obedience to God’s commands.
