“And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.”
Context: Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is part of the Torah, the first five books traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites concerning their worship, daily life, and moral conduct. Leviticus 11 deals specifically with dietary restrictions and the distinction between clean and unclean animals.
Understanding the verse:
- “And the hare”: The hare, also known as the rabbit, is mentioned here as one of the animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat.
- “Because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof”: This describes a characteristic of clean animals according to the dietary laws. Animals that chew the cud are those with a specialized digestive system allowing them to regurgitate and rechew partially digested food. However, the hare, despite chewing the cud, does not have divided hooves, which is another requirement for clean animals.
The significance of clean and unclean animals:
- In Leviticus 11, God provided the Israelites with a set of dietary laws, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. Clean animals were permitted for consumption, while unclean animals were considered ceremonially impure and were not to be eaten.
- The distinction between clean and unclean animals served several purposes. It symbolically represented Israel’s separation from the nations around them, their obedience to God’s commands, and their commitment to holiness. It also reinforced the idea of being set apart and consecrated to God.
Symbolism and spiritual lessons:
- The dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating the hare, were intended to teach the Israelites spiritual lessons and principles. Although the specific reasons for certain animals being labeled as unclean are not always clear, they were meant to shape the people’s obedience, faithfulness, and trust in God’s instructions.
- The hare’s situation highlights the importance of meeting all the criteria for clean animals. It serves as a reminder that partial compliance is not sufficient in matters of obedience to God. Just as the hare was unclean due to its failure to meet both criteria, believers are called to wholeheartedly follow God’s commands without compromise.
Application to believers today:
- As Christians, we are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws because Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) and declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). However, the principles behind these laws still hold spiritual significance.
- The dietary laws can teach us about obedience, holiness, and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. They remind us to be discerning about what we allow into our lives, such as the influences we surround ourselves with, the media we consume, and the choices we make.
- In our Christian walk, we are called to pursue holiness and to be set apart from the values and practices of the world. Just as the Israelites were distinct from other nations, we are called to live in a way that reflects our identity as followers of Christ.
Remember, while studying individual verses is valuable, it is important to consider the broader context of the Bible and seek guidance from trusted teachers and scholars to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
