2 'Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, This 'is' the beast which ye do eat out of all the beasts which 'are' on the earth: 3 any dividing a hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoofs, bringing up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. 4 'Only, this ye do not eat—of those bringing up the cud, and of those dividing the hoof—the camel, though it is bringing up the cud, yet the hoof not dividing—it 'is' unclean to you; 5 and the rabbit, though it is bringing up the cud, yet the hoof it divideth not—unclean it 'is' to you; 6 and the hare, though it is bringing up the cud, yet the hoof hath not divided—unclean it 'is' to you; 7 and the sow, though it is dividing the hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoof, yet the cud it bringeth not up—unclean it 'is' to you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 11:2-7
Chapter Contents
What animals were clean and unclean.
These laws seem to have been intended, 1. As a test of the people's obedience, as Adam was forbidden to eat of the tree of knowledge; and to teach them self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2. To keep the Israelites distinct from other nations. Many also of these forbidden animals were objects of superstition and idolatry to the heathen. 3. The people were taught to make distinctions between the holy and unholy in their companions and intimate connexions. 4. The law forbad, not only the eating of the unclean beasts, but the touching of them. Those who would be kept from any sin, must be careful to avoid all temptations to it, or coming near it. The exceptions are very minute, and all were designed to call forth constant care and exactness in their obedience; and to teach us to obey. Whilst we enjoy our Christian liberty, and are free from such burdensome observances, we must be careful not to abuse our liberty. For the Lord hath redeemed and called his people, that they may be holy, even as he is holy. We must come out, and be separate from the world; we must leave the company of the ungodly, and all needless connexions with those who are dead in sin; we must be zealous of good works devoted followers of God, and companions of his people.