Leviticus 11:5
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
[5-6] Julle mag ook nie die vleis van ’n dassie of ’n haas eet nie, omdat hulle herkouers is, maar nie gesplete hoewe het nie.
What Does This Mean?
This verse is part of God's instructions to the Israelites about which animals are clean and can be eaten. It says that the coney, which chews the cud but does not have a divided hoof, is unclean. The key message is to follow God's dietary laws.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a list of foods you can eat and those you can't. This verse is like that list. It tells us about a little animal called a coney. Even though it chews its food like a cow, it's still on the 'don't eat' list because its feet aren't split in the right way.
Historical Background
The Book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites by Moses around 1440-1400 BC. This section outlines dietary laws to help the Israelites understand what God considered clean and unclean. These laws were part of their covenant with God and set them apart from other cultures.
Living It Out Today
Today, we might not follow these specific dietary laws, but we can apply the principle of being selective about what we consume, whether it's food, media, or company. Just as God wanted the Israelites to be careful about what they ate, we should be mindful of what we take into our bodies and lives.
Topics
dietary lawsclean and uncleanIsraelite cultureGod's instructionsspiritual puritycovenant
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coney?
A coney, also known as a hyrax, is a small animal similar to a guinea pig found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The verse identifies it by its behavior of chewing the cud, even though it doesn’t fully fit the criteria of clean animals.
Why are animals that chew the cud but don't have divided hooves unclean?
The criteria for clean animals in Leviticus include both chewing the cud and having a divided hoof. The coney meets one but not both, hence it is considered unclean. This distinction helps the Israelites follow God's specific instructions.
How do these dietary laws relate to modern Christians?
While modern Christians are not bound by these specific dietary laws, they can still see the value in being selective about what we consume, both physically and spiritually, to honor God.
What does being 'unclean' mean in this context?
Being 'unclean' refers to the state of not meeting the specific criteria set by God for clean animals. It doesn't imply moral judgment but rather sets guidelines for purity and separation from other cultures.