“Nevertheless, these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.”
Leviticus 11 contains dietary laws that were given to the Israelites by God through Moses. These laws, commonly known as the laws of kosher, specified which animals were considered clean or unclean for consumption.
In Leviticus 11:4, the focus is on animals that chew the cud and divide the hoof. The passage mentions the camel as an example of an animal that chews the cud but does not have a divided hoof. According to the dietary laws, such an animal is considered unclean and therefore not to be eaten by the Israelites.
The underlying principle behind these dietary laws was to set the Israelites apart as a holy people unto God. These laws served to teach them about purity and holiness in their daily lives, including their food choices. By adhering to these dietary restrictions, the Israelites were reminded of their unique identity and their need to separate themselves from practices and influences that could compromise their spiritual well-being.
It’s important to note that these dietary laws were specifically given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, and they formed part of the Mosaic Law. With the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, these dietary restrictions are no longer binding on Christians.
In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), indicating that external dietary regulations are no longer necessary for spiritual purity. The apostle Paul also emphasized this point in his writings, stating that believers are free to eat any food, but should do so with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament no longer apply to Christians, there are principles we can derive from them. We can learn about the importance of holiness, self-discipline, and being set apart for God’s purposes. Additionally, we can recognize the value of making wise and conscientious choices in our diet, taking care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
In summary, Leviticus 11:4 highlights one of the dietary restrictions given to the Israelites, emphasizing the need for holiness and separation. While these laws are no longer binding for Christians, they can provide insights into spiritual principles and the importance of honoring God in all aspects of our lives.
