13 And among birds these are to be disgusting to you, and not to be used for food: the eagle and the gier-eagle and the ospray; 14 And the kite and the falcon, and birds of that sort; 15 Every raven, and birds of that sort; 16 And the ostrich and the night-hawk and the sea-hawk, and birds of that sort; 17 And the little owl and the cormorant and the great owl; 18 And the water-hen and the pelican and the vulture; 19 The stork and the heron, and birds of that sort, and the hoopoe and the bat.
20 Every winged four-footed thing which goes on the earth is disgusting to you;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 11:13-20
Chapter Contents
What animals were clean and unclean.
These laws seem to have been intended, 1. As a test of the people's obedience, as Adam was forbidden to eat of the tree of knowledge; and to teach them self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2. To keep the Israelites distinct from other nations. Many also of these forbidden animals were objects of superstition and idolatry to the heathen. 3. The people were taught to make distinctions between the holy and unholy in their companions and intimate connexions. 4. The law forbad, not only the eating of the unclean beasts, but the touching of them. Those who would be kept from any sin, must be careful to avoid all temptations to it, or coming near it. The exceptions are very minute, and all were designed to call forth constant care and exactness in their obedience; and to teach us to obey. Whilst we enjoy our Christian liberty, and are free from such burdensome observances, we must be careful not to abuse our liberty. For the Lord hath redeemed and called his people, that they may be holy, even as he is holy. We must come out, and be separate from the world; we must leave the company of the ungodly, and all needless connexions with those who are dead in sin; we must be zealous of good works devoted followers of God, and companions of his people.