2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the animals which ye shall eat of all the beasts which are on the earth. 3 Whatever hath cloven hoofs, and feet quite split open, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts—that shall ye eat. 4 Only these shall ye not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those with cloven hoofs: the camel, for it cheweth the cud, but hath not cloven hoofs—it shall be unclean unto you; 5 and the rock-badger, for it cheweth the cud, but hath not cloven hoofs—it shall be unclean unto you; 6 and the hare, for it cheweth the cud, but hath not cloven hoofs—it shall be unclean unto you; 7 and the swine, for it hath cloven hoofs, and feet quite split open, but it cheweth not the cud—it shall be unclean unto you. 8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch: they shall be unclean unto you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 11:2-8
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.