The distinction between clean and unclean animals is first introduced in Genesis 7, when God commands Noah to take pairs of every kind of clean animal and seven pairs of every kind of unclean animal onto the ark. This distinction will carry throughout the Old Testament laws concerning food and sacrifice.
Clean animals are those that God has designated as acceptable for eating and for sacrifice. Unclean animals are those that God has prohibited from being eaten or sacrificed. The criteria that determines whether an animal is clean or unclean is not fully explained in Genesis, but later passages provide more details.
Some key factors in determining whether an animal was clean or unclean:
- Animals that chew the cud and have a divided hoof are clean (ruminants like cows, sheep, goats). Animals that only have one of these traits are unclean (pigs have a divided hoof but don’t chew the cud).
- Animals that live in water but do not have fins and scales are unclean (shellfish like lobster, shrimp, oysters). Water dwelling animals with fins and scales are clean.
- Birds of prey and scavengers are unclean.
- Insects are unclean except for locusts, crickets and grasshoppers.
So in Genesis 7, clean animals would have included: sheep, goats, cattle, deer, gazelles, chickens, doves, etc. Unclean animals would have included: pigs, camels, rabbits, shellfish, birds of prey like vultures, insects like locusts.
The most common theories on why God made this distinction are:
- Health reasons – Many unclean animals are scavengers or eat other unclean animals. Their meat was more likely to carry disease or parasites harmful to human health.
- Set Israel apart – The laws concerning clean/unclean foods helped separate Israel from the surrounding pagan nations who ate without distinction.
- Teach spiritual lessons – The unclean animals represented sin and death, while clean animals could be used for sacrifice and food, representing redemption and life.
- Unknown reasons – We simply don’t understand all of God’s purposes in calling some animals clean and others unclean.
Why did God command Noah to take more unclean animals on the ark? A few possible reasons:
- To preserve the distinction between clean and unclean after the Flood.
- Because there were simply more varieties of unclean animals.
- To provide ample sacrificial animals – only clean animals could be sacrificed.
- To provide food sources that were not from clean animals.
In the end, the complete reasons behind the designations of clean and unclean animals remain somewhat ambiguous. The important principles to understand are:
- God alone determines what is clean and unclean.
- His people should faithfully observe these commands.
- There were physical and spiritual purposes behind the laws.
- Though no longer binding, these laws teach us to be set apart for God’s purposes.
The distinction between clean and unclean animals originated in the early chapters of Genesis. It foreshadowed the coming sacrificial system and dietary laws that God would use to shape His people Israel. Though no longer binding under the new covenant, these laws remind us that all things are under God’s sovereign design and declared “very good” by Him.
(Genesis 7:2-3, 8-9; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21)
Why Were Certain Animals Considered Clean and Others Unclean According to the Bible?
In the Old Testament, God gives laws regarding which animals are “clean” and which are “unclean.” Clean animals could be eaten and used for sacrifice, while unclean animals were prohibited. This distinction first appears in Genesis 7 when Noah takes pairs of clean animals and seven pairs of unclean animals onto the ark. The criteria for clean and unclean animals is laid out more fully in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
Here are some key principles for distinguishing clean and unclean animals:
- Land animals must chew the cud and have a divided hoof to be clean (cattle, sheep, goats, deer).
- Water creatures must have fins and scales to be clean (fish with scales).
- Birds of prey and carrion eaters are unclean.
- Swarming winged creatures are unclean (insects except locusts, crickets).
Clean animals from Genesis 7 would have included: cows, sheep, goats, chickens, doves. Unclean animals would have been: pigs, rabbits, camels, shellfish, insects.
There are several possible reasons God made this distinction:
- Health reasons – Many unclean animals carry disease. Avoiding them prevented illness.
- Spiritual lessons – Unclean animals symbolized sin and death. Clean animals could be offered in sacrifice.
- Set Israel apart – Following the food laws distinguished Israel from pagan nations around them.
- Unknown reasons – We do not fully understand all of God’s purposes in this.
Why did God have Noah take extra pairs of unclean animals? Possible reasons:
- To preserve both types of animals through the Flood.
- Because there were more varieties of unclean animals.
- To provide additional animals for sacrifice since only clean ones could be sacrificed.
- To establish food sources apart from clean animals.
In summary, the designation of clean and unclean animals likely served both physical and spiritual purposes for Israel. God alone determines what is clean and unclean for His people. His laws are for our good even when we cannot grasp all His reasons. Through these laws God was setting Israel apart, teaching obedience, and protecting their health. Under the new covenant we have freedom in Christ regarding foods, but the old laws remind us that our lives are to honor God.
(Genesis 7:2-3, 8-9; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21)
The Significance of Clean and Unclean Animals in Genesis 7
Genesis 7 records God’s instructions to Noah to take clean and unclean animals on the ark before the Flood. This represents the first biblical distinction between these types of creatures. But why did God make this distinction in the first place? Let’s explore the significance of clean and unclean animals in this passage.
First, God commanded Noah to take seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, and one pair of every kind of unclean (Gen 7:2). This ensured sufficient numbers to repopulate the clean animals, since they would also be used for sacrifice (Gen 8:20). More clean animals were needed after the Flood.
Second, taking both clean and unclean animals preserved the categories after the judgment of the Flood. God cared about this distinction even in the new post-Flood world. The concepts of clean and unclean were incorporated into the laws given later to Israel.
Third, the extra clean animals provided abundant animals suitable for sacrifice. After the Flood, Noah immediately offered some of the clean animals as a burnt offering to the Lord (Gen 8:20). Having more clean animals ensured sufficient sacrificial animals.
Fourth, the pairs of unclean animals provided food sources other than the clean animals. With larger numbers of clean animals preserved for sacrifice, the unclean animals could be eaten without depleting the clean livestock populations.
Fifth, the distinction foreshadowed the more detailed laws concerning clean animals in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Even at this early point in Scripture, God was establishing categories of animals based on His purposes.
So in summary, the clean and unclean distinctions in Genesis 7 upheld God’s categories, provided sacrificial animals, allowed for eating of unclean animals, and foreshadowed the biblical dietary laws. God cared about the differences between animals, for spiritual and practical reasons. Though no longer binding in the new covenant, these laws teach us God cares about every detail of creation for our good.
(Genesis 7:1-9; 8:20; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21)
Clean and Unclean Animals: Exploring the Biblical Distinction
A curious feature in the Genesis flood account is God’s instructions to take clean and unclean animals on the ark. Let’s explore this distinction and what it represents.
Clean animals were acceptable to eat and sacrifice. Unclean animals were prohibited. Clean land animals chew the cud and have divided hooves. Clean water creatures have fins and scales. Unclean animals include pigs, shellfish, scavengers, and insects.
This distinction first appears in Genesis 7 when God commands Noah to take seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean. But why did God make this distinction?
First, for health reasons. Many unclean animals carry disease or toxins dangerous for humans. Avoiding them prevented illness.
Second, for spiritual lessons. The unclean animals represent death and sin. Clean animals could be sacrificed and eaten, representing redemption and life.
Third, to set Israel apart. Following the food laws distinguished Israel from pagan nations surrounding them.
Fourth, for reasons we don’t fully understand. God’s ways are above ours.
Why extra clean animals on the ark? To preserve more for sacrifice. To establish food sources apart from clean animals. To repopulate clean livestock faster after the Flood. God cared about preserving both groups.
In summary, the designation of clean and unclean animals served physical health, spiritual illustration, distinction for Israel, and purposes we cannot fully grasp. God cares about all His creative work. Though no longer binding, these laws teach that all God made is good and for our benefit when used according to His purposes.
(Genesis 7:2-3; 8:20; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21)
What We Can Learn from Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible
A curious feature in the Genesis flood account is God commanding Noah to take clean and unclean animals on the ark. Let’s reflect on some key lessons we can learn from this distinction.
First, this distinction reveals God’s sovereignty. He alone determines what is clean and unclean, good and bad, holy and profane. We must submit to His standards.
Second, it displays God’s purpose. The laws restricting unclean animals protected Israel’s health and illustrated spiritual truths. God’s commands always have reasons even if we don’t understand them.
Third, it teaches obedience. Noah didn’t argue about the categories. He faithfully followed God’s instructions. God deserves our trust and obedience.
Fourth, it shows God’s holiness. God cares about things we consider insignificant details. To be in His presence requires careful adherence to His standards.
Fifth, it reveals God’s grace. Though we often fail His standards like unclean animals, God provides redemption through the sacrifice of clean animals. This points to Christ’s sacrifice to make us clean.
So in summary, this ancient distinction displays God’s sovereignty, purpose, holiness, and grace. It teaches that obedience to God brings protection and blessings. Though no longer binding today, it reminds us that God cares about every detail of His creation for our good and His glory.
(Genesis 7:2-3; 8:20; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21)
Uncovering the Meaning of Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible
A curious detail in the Genesis flood story is God’s instruction to take clean and unclean animals on the ark. This distinction between animals carries all through the Old Testament. Let’s explore what this representation means.
At the most basic level, this categorization established some animals as permissible or forbidden for eating and sacrifice under the old covenant. But the distinction goes deeper than dietary restriction. It presents a picture of righteousness versus sin, life versus death.
The unclean animals represent different forms of sin and transgression of God’s law. The unclean scavengers and predators picture violence, greed and living without moral restraint. The unclean insects and vermin exhibit worthlessness, corruption and rapidly spreading wickedness.
The unclean animals also reflect the consequences of sin which is death. Their prohibition from sacrifice points to sin’s separation from God. Consuming them brought contamination and illness, pictures of the suffering sin produces.
By contrast, the clean animals acceptable for sacrifice represent purity, obedience and devotedness to God. Their fitness for offering foreshadows Jesus’ sinless life and sacrificial death to cleanse us permanently from the presence of sin.
So the categories of clean and unclean animals provide illustrations from nature of profound spiritual realities regarding the holy standard of God, the pervasiveness of sin and its consequences, and the atoning sacrifice of Christ to make unclean sinners clean once again. All of Scripture provides glimpses of eternal truths.
(Leviticus 11; Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Titus 1:15)
Digging Deeper: Principles Behind Clean and Unclean Animals
On the surface, the Bible’s categorization of animals into clean and unclean appears arbitrary. But exploring the broader principles behind the designations provides insight into their meaning. Let’s dig deeper.
First, the categories teach that God alone determines what is holy and common. The distinctions reveal His authority as Lawgiver and Creator to designate the purpose of all things. We must submit to His standards of right and wrong.
Second, they display the comprehensive reach of God’s law into every area of life. Eating may seem like a mundane activity, but God cares about the details of diet. His Lordship covers even the ordinary moments.
Third, they prevented Israel from assimilating into pagan cultures. The surrounding nations did not follow food laws. But maintaining distinction was crucial for Israel’s spiritual identity.
Fourth, they developed self-control and obedience. Adhering to the laws required care and discipline, strengthening virtues in God’s people.
Fifth, they pointed towards purity from sin found only in Christ. The sacrificial system could not permanently cleanse, but foreshadowed the cleansing available in Christ.
So while the food laws’ details are no longer binding, their principles remind us of God’s authority, holiness, and desire for His people to pursue moral discipline and separation from sin. Even in mundane areas like diet, God calls us higher.
(Leviticus 11; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
Key Takeaways from Clean and Unclean Animals in Scripture
What can we learn from the distinction between clean and unclean animals that first appears in Genesis 7 and runs throughout the Old Testament dietary laws? Here are some key takeaways.
First, God alone determines what is holy and common, clean and unclean. His standards and purposes define these categories.
Second, He had good reasons for these laws – to protect Israel’s health, train their obedience, set them apart from the nations, and teach spiritual truths.
Third, the clean animals acceptable for sacrifice point towards Christ’s perfect sacrifice to cleanse us from sin once for all.
Fourth, though no longer binding under the new covenant, these laws reveal principles of God’s authority, holiness, and care that are still relevant today.
Fifth, they remind us that every part of creation is under God’s sovereign design and declared “very good” by Him, for His glory and our benefit.
Sixth, they display that God cares about the details of His creation and has purpose even in areas that seem mundane to us, like diet.
Seventh, our lives today should still reflect the desire for purity, obedience to God’s standards, and separation from sin though we have freedom in Christ.
(Genesis 7:2-3; Leviticus 11; Mark 7:14-23; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33)