Shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels similarly consume decaying organic matter that sinks to the sea floor, including sewage.Ī common denominator of many of the animals God designates as unclean is that they routinely eat flesh that would sicken or kill humans. When it comes to sea creatures, bottom dwellers such as lobsters and crabs scavenge for dead animals on the sea floor. Predatory animals such as wolves, lions, leopards and cheetahs most often prey on the weakest (and at times the diseased) in animal herds. In listing the animals that should not be eaten, God forbids the consumption of scavengers and carrion eaters, which devour other animals for their food.Īnimals such as pigs, bears, vultures and raptors can eat (and thrive) on decaying flesh. He gave His laws (including those of which meats are clean or unclean) "that it might be well" with those who seek to obey Him (Deuteronomy 5:29).Īlthough God did not reveal the specific reasons some animals may be eaten and others must be avoided, we can make generalized conclusions based on the animals included in the two categories. Why does God identify some animals as suitable for human consumption and others as unsuitable? God didn't give laws to arbitrarily assert control over humans. Insects, with the exception of locusts, crickets and grasshoppers, are listed as unclean (verses 20-23).
#ANIMALS THAT ARE SCAVENGERS PLUS#
He identifies carrion eaters and birds of prey as unclean, plus ostriches, storks, herons and bats.īirds such as chickens, turkeys and pheasants are not on the unclean list and therefore can be eaten. God also lists birds and other flying creatures that are unclean for consumption (verses 13-19).
He tells us that salt- and freshwater fish with fins and scales may be eaten (verses 9-12), but water creatures without those characteristics (catfish, lobsters, oysters, shrimp, crabs, clams, mussels, squid, frogs, octopi, etc.) should not be eaten. He later lists such "creeping things" as moles, mice and lizards as unfit to eat (verses 29-31), as well as four-footed animals with paws (cats, dogs, bears, lions, tigers, etc.) as unclean (verse 27). He also lists such animals as camels, rabbits and pigs as being unclean, or unfit to eat (Leviticus 11:4-8). These specifically include the cattle, sheep, goat, deer and gazelle families (Deuteronomy 14:4-5).
God states that cud-chewing animals with split hooves can be eaten (Leviticus 11:3 Deuteronomy 14:6).
Although the lists aren't exhaustive, He reveals guidelines for recognizing animals that are acceptable for food. Which Animals Does the Bible Designate as 'Clean' and 'Unclean'? God reveals which animals - including fish and birds - are suitable and unsuitable for human consumption in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
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