Leviticus 11:17 – “the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl,”

Extended Explanation

Leviticus 11:17 continues the list of birds that the Israelites are not permitted to eat because they are considered unclean. This verse specifically mentions three types of birds: the little owl, the cormorant, and the great owl. These birds are typically scavengers or birds of prey, often feeding on dead animals or hunting other creatures. Because of their diet and behaviors associated with death and decay, they were classified as unclean according to God’s laws given to Israel. The dietary laws were meant to help the Israelites distinguish between what is clean and unclean, guiding them to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and purity.

Historical Context

Leviticus was written during a time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. God provided them with specific laws, including dietary laws, to set them apart from the surrounding nations and to shape them as His unique people. In the ancient Near East, different cultures had various practices regarding which animals and birds were acceptable to eat. The Israelites were commanded to follow these particular dietary restrictions, which included avoiding birds like owls and cormorants, to maintain ritual purity and avoid being influenced by pagan practices. These laws served as a daily reminder of their distinct identity and their relationship with God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Leviticus 11:17 reinforces the idea of holiness and separation from what is considered impure. God’s command to avoid eating these specific birds is more than just a matter of diet; it teaches the Israelites about discernment and obedience. Birds like owls and cormorants, which feed on dead animals, symbolize defilement and impurity. By avoiding these birds, the Israelites were to remain pure and set apart from the unclean practices of the world around them. This verse teaches that holiness requires careful choices and a commitment to living in a way that honors God in every aspect of life.

Literary Analysis

Leviticus 11:17 is written in a straightforward and instructive style, typical of the legal sections found in Leviticus. The verse uses specific language to list the birds that are unclean, ensuring there is no ambiguity about which birds are forbidden. The repetition of the word “unclean” in this chapter reinforces the importance of these dietary laws and emphasizes the need for Israel to take these commands seriously. The structured format of the verse, listing each bird by name, underscores the clarity and precision of God’s instructions, ensuring that His people understood the boundaries set for them.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 14:16: Repeats the list of unclean birds, including the little owl, cormorant, and great owl, reinforcing the dietary laws.
• Isaiah 34:11: Describes desolation, where unclean birds like owls inhabit the ruins, symbolizing impurity and spiritual desolation.
• Psalm 102:6: Mentions the loneliness of being like an owl in the ruins, which can also symbolize a sense of spiritual barrenness or desolation.
• Acts 10:12-15: In Peter’s vision, God declares all foods clean, signifying a new understanding of purity under the New Covenant and the end of the old dietary restrictions.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Leviticus 11:17 might seem like an outdated rule from a different time. Indeed, the New Testament teaches that believers are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15). However, the principle behind this verse still holds significance. It encourages Christians to be mindful of what they “consume” in their spiritual lives—whether it be the media they watch, the books they read, or the influences they allow into their hearts and minds. The call to avoid “unclean” things reminds believers to make choices that honor God and promote spiritual growth.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Leviticus 11:17 reflects God’s loving care for His people by providing them with guidelines that would help them live in a way that is pleasing to Him. These dietary laws were not designed to burden the Israelites but to teach them about holiness, obedience, and discernment. Like a loving parent who sets rules for the well-being of their children, God’s commands were given to protect His people from spiritual and physical harm. By following these laws, the Israelites would remain distinct from the nations around them and reflect their special relationship with God.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The dietary laws, including those in Leviticus 11:17, find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that makes them unclean, but what comes out from their heart (Matthew 15:11). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant that focuses on internal transformation rather than external adherence to rules. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision from God declaring all foods clean, symbolizing a shift from the Old Testament dietary laws to a focus on spiritual purity and the inclusion of all people in God’s family. This change points to the deeper work of cleansing and renewal that Jesus provides to all who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the principle of avoiding “unclean” things apply to our spiritual lives today?
2. In what ways should Christians practice discernment in what they allow into their hearts and minds?
3. How does understanding the purpose behind the Old Testament laws help us appreciate the grace and freedom we have through Jesus Christ?
4. In what ways does Jesus’ teaching on inner purity challenge our current behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes?
5. How can we live in a way that reflects our identity as God’s people in a world filled with distractions and temptations?

This exploration of Leviticus 11:17 shows that while the Old Testament dietary laws are not directly applicable to Christians today, the principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life that honors God remain central to the Christian walk and our relationship with Jesus Christ.