Next to Godliness

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as we discover new insights and new perspectives from a very old book.

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Leviticus 11

This chapter regulates the eating of animals.The LORD has permitted the eating of animals since Noah, although in Genesis 1 that isn't what God intended.

While several of the "unclean" animals are now eaten in the modern world, most still aren't (at least in the United States). Horses aren't mentioned specifically, but they're among the prohibited.

So are camels, cats, dogs, bunny rabbits, and rodents. So, culturally, it looks as though the animals we (in the West) view as companions or pets are exempt. (Although some still hunt wabbits.)

It looks to me that pigs and seafood are the main exceptions. We eat them, whereas the LORD told the Israelites not to. 

Since childhood I've learned about worms in pork. I'm guessing the other prohibited animals carried health risks as well. Touching a dead carcass meant washing and staying away from others for the rest of the day.

Leviticus has a reputation for crazy regulations, but these prohibitions sound sensible if they are really about health. Again, I think there's an "as within, so without" metaphor: inner cleanliness of the spirit is reflected in the outer environment, including in what one eats and touches.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)