and the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,
Commentary
Leviticus 11:17 is part of a comprehensive list of birds considered "unclean" for the Israelites to eat, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. This particular verse specifies three types of birds: "the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl."
Context
Chapter 11 of Leviticus details the dietary regulations given by God to Moses and Aaron for the people of Israel. These laws distinguished between clean and unclean animals, birds, fish, and insects, dictating what could and could not be consumed. The purpose was not merely for hygiene, but primarily to establish and maintain the holiness of the people of Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. The prohibitions on certain birds, particularly those like owls and cormorants, often relate to their predatory or scavenging nature, or their association with desolate places, which were sometimes considered impure.
Key Themes
Holiness and Separation: The dietary laws served as a constant reminder to Israel of their unique status as God's chosen people, called to be holy as He is holy. This distinction was visible in their daily lives.
Obedience to Divine Command: These regulations underscored the importance of obeying God's commands without question, even when the rationale might not be immediately apparent to human understanding.
Purity and Impurity: The classification of animals into clean and unclean categories taught the Israelites about the pervasive nature of purity and impurity in their relationship with God.
Linguistic Insights
The specific Hebrew terms for these birds offer some insight, though exact identification can be challenging:
Little owl (Heb. kos): Generally identified as a small owl, known for its nocturnal habits.
Cormorant (Heb. shalakh): A diving bird that preys on fish, often found near water. Its name might relate to its diving or darting motion.
Great owl (Heb. yanshuph): Likely another species of owl, possibly larger, also nocturnal.
Birds of prey, scavengers, and those associated with darkness or desolation consistently appear in the list of unclean birds, reflecting a broader principle of avoiding creatures that symbolized death, decay, or practices common in pagan worship.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary restrictions of Leviticus 11 are part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and are no longer binding for New Testament believers (as seen in passages like Mark 7:19 and Colossians 2:16), the underlying principles remain highly relevant. Christians are still called to a life of holiness and separation from the world's defilements. This means discerning what influences, habits, or associations are "unclean" in a spiritual sense—those that hinder our relationship with God and our witness. The call to be distinct for God's glory is timeless, urging us to choose that which is pure and honorable in His sight, reflecting His character in our lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.
Commentary
Leviticus 11:17 is part of a comprehensive list of birds considered "unclean" for the Israelites to eat, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. This particular verse specifies three types of birds: "the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl."
Context
Chapter 11 of Leviticus details the dietary regulations given by God to Moses and Aaron for the people of Israel. These laws distinguished between clean and unclean animals, birds, fish, and insects, dictating what could and could not be consumed. The purpose was not merely for hygiene, but primarily to establish and maintain the holiness of the people of Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. The prohibitions on certain birds, particularly those like owls and cormorants, often relate to their predatory or scavenging nature, or their association with desolate places, which were sometimes considered impure.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The specific Hebrew terms for these birds offer some insight, though exact identification can be challenging:
Birds of prey, scavengers, and those associated with darkness or desolation consistently appear in the list of unclean birds, reflecting a broader principle of avoiding creatures that symbolized death, decay, or practices common in pagan worship.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary restrictions of Leviticus 11 are part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and are no longer binding for New Testament believers (as seen in passages like Mark 7:19 and Colossians 2:16), the underlying principles remain highly relevant. Christians are still called to a life of holiness and separation from the world's defilements. This means discerning what influences, habits, or associations are "unclean" in a spiritual sense—those that hinder our relationship with God and our witness. The call to be distinct for God's glory is timeless, urging us to choose that which is pure and honorable in His sight, reflecting His character in our lives.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.