13 'These , moreover, you shall detest among the birds ; they are abhorrent , not to be eaten : the eagle and the vulture and the buzzard , 14 and the kite and the falcon in its kind , 15 every raven in its kind , 16 and the ostrich and the owl and the sea gull and the hawk in its kind , 17 and the little owl and the cormorant and the great owl , 18 and the white owl and the pelican and the carrion vulture , 19 and the stork , the heron in its kinds , and the hoopoe , and the bat .
20 'All the winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable 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.