Attributed commentary excerpt
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge on Leviticus 11:46
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · Cross-reference reference work
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
This: The distinction of clean and unclean animals (see note on Lev 11:2) existed even before the flood, though it probably then only related to sacrifices; but at this time we find there were very particular laws enacted respecting the diet of the people, and the ceremonial uncleanness contracted by touching the carcases of unclean animals. The reasons for the enactment of these laws seem to be: 1\. As a test of obedience, and to teach the Israelites habits of self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2\. To keep them distinct from other nations, and consequently from their idolatrous usages, by throwing hindrances in the way of their social intercourse; for these distinctions were applicable both to persons and things. The Canaanites not only ate the animals prohibited by Moses, which we usually eat, but others also, among which dogs were one. Besides, many of those declared unclean were sacred among the heathen, and sacrificed to their gods. 3\. Because those prohibited were innutritive and unwholesome; as the swine, the flesh of which being strong and difficult to digest, affords a very gross aliment, and produces, especially in hot climates, cutaneous, scrophulous, and scorbutic disorders, as the itch, leprosy, etc. Lev 7:37, Lev 14:54, Lev 15:32; Eze 43:12 Leviticus 11:47
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.
