The Whole Counsel of God Leviticus 11-12
Nov 4, 2025
Explore the intriguing food laws of Leviticus 11, where Fr. Stephen De Young clarifies who must adhere to these commandments and their significance for the Israelites. Discover the rules for clean and unclean animals, including specific criteria for land and sea creatures, along with a fascinating discussion on forbidden birds and insects. Transitioning to Chapter 12, learn about post-birth purification rites, the differing timelines for sons and daughters, and how these practices resonate with contemporary church traditions.
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Food Laws Are Specifically For Israel
- Levitical food laws are directed specifically to the sons of Israel, not to foreigners or all nations.
- The Torah aims to make Israel distinct by requiring higher holiness and ceremonial cleanliness from those near God's dwelling.
Unclean Is Ceremonial, Not Sinful
- Clean versus unclean in Leviticus is ceremonial, not moral; unclean doesn't equal sinful.
- Ceremonial rules regulate access to God's presence and vary by role (laypeople, Levites, priests).
Practical Basis For Clean And Unclean
- Dietary distinctions often reflect practical concerns like which animals are kept in camp or scavenge dead carcasses.
- Scavengers and certain predators are labeled unclean because they either eat carrion or kill other animals and aren't kept for food.
