2 "Speak to the sons of Israel , saying , ' These are the creatures which you may eat from all the animals that are on the earth . 3 'Whatever divides a hoof , thus making split hoofs , and chews the cud , among the animals , that you may eat . 4 'Nevertheless , you are not to eat of these , among those which chew the cud , or among those which divide the hoof : the camel , for though it chews cud , it does not divide the hoof , it is unclean to you. 5 'Likewise, the shaphan , for though it chews cud , it does not divide the hoof , it is unclean to you; 6 the rabbit also, for though it chews cud , it does not divide the hoof , it is unclean to you; 7 and the pig , for though it divides the hoof , thus making a split hoof , it does not chew cud , it is unclean to you. 8 'You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses ; they are unclean to 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.