what does leviticus 11:44 mean Navigation

The law regarding unclean animals—in Leviticus 11—is unique in the Bible: In Leviticus ritual uncleanness had two basic characteristics. Pertaining to the Levites. Leviticus. 3 What does it mean to be clean? You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. 4 We learn to be clean and pure from Jehovah’s own example. This material comprises the entirety of Leviticus 17–26 as well as portions of other chapters. Leviticus is a great source for people seeking guidance about their work. The word holy appears 492 times in the Old Testament. Freewill is the freedom to choose one thing over another or to do something or nothing. He notes that the terms “holy,” “clean,” “unclean,” and related words are very common throughout the book. the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I . 26 Every animal that parts the hoof but is not cloven-footed or does not chew the cud is unclean to you. Set apart. Basically, a whole … This is also true in regard to love. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. Bottom‐line, the easiest way to understand holiness is to study the life of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Leviticus Trivia Question: The Book of Leviticus CHAPTER 11. Introduction. There isn’t any unity and submission before God. He does this to drive home a point, particularly to his Jewish readers, that God has always commanded His children to "be holy." Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). 40:17 and Numb. As to blood, Leviticus 17:10ff expands on this prohibition and explains that the life is in the blood, and if anyone gets it, God does. "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." When many people start thinking about a religious code, they almost automatically envision a list of “Do’s” and Lev 11:44,45 Lev 20:7,26 Lev 21:8 Ex 19:6 Isa 6:3,4 Amos 3:3 Mt 5:48 2Co 6:14-16 2Cor 7:1 1Pe 1:15,16) Henry Morris - This is probably the key verse of Leviticus. But some ignore its definitions of their own "uncleanness" while quoting Leviticus to condemn "homosexuals." Set apart. (b) What does creation teach us about how Jehovah views cleanness? Thus, karet in this verse cannot mean excommunication (what, he can’t be buried in the cemetery?). For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. Even making no choice becomes a choice…all because of freewill. In the Bible, indicative statements about God often become imperatives for his people—“be holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 11:44), for example. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. Leviticus 11:44 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. Leviticus 11:44 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. your own Pins on Pinterest Because of God’s presence with them, the book declares again and again, “You shall be holy because I am holy” (Lev. The Heart of the Matter Leviticus 11:43-45 Do not defile yourselves by any of these creatures. My cousin was recuperating in the hospital after a near-fatal accident on his job. How many Hebrews were in the historical setting of: 1) Genesis 50? 5:8-9). I even made a chart to see if there were any significant differences. Leviticus 11:44-45 – I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. 1:7-9; Heb. To me, Leviticus 18:22 is more a reflection of the social/cultural mores of the time when the Torah was first transcribed than it is a reflection of God's will regarding what we know today as queerness. 41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten. His character is holy. (Leviticus 11:44-45, Galatians 2:20, John 14:21) Peter’s words are nearly identical to those in Leviticus, but that really doesn’t help us much in knowing how to be holy. “ For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me. In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47), we discuss the blessing of fire falling from Heaven, the sin of strange fire offered by Aaron’s sons, and the judgement of fire from Yehovah!Also, listen in as Nehemia Gordon eats a grasshopper! Two objects can not occupy the same place at the same time. He’s perfect. (Leviticus 11:44) Here the Lord is telling us that if we eat certain things our temple ( 1Corinthians 6:19 ) becomes defiled and we become an abomination to our God. The Sabbath Year was an extension of the Sabbath to allow the land to rest on the seventh year. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Understanding the Book of Leviticus for Today. ” ... (Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2ff. Leviticus 11:44. What can we do to prepare ourselves to come into such a presence? And why is being clean good for us? In Leviticus 11:44, Elohim explains why we shouldn’t eat certain creatures. The Torah also makes it clear through the whole list of curses that what is at stake is the relationship between humanity and the land. 11 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2 “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: 3 You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud. Leviticus 11:21 "Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon [all] four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;" (This has been purposely GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO BE HOLY. 4) Writing on the skin as an act of mourning. 14:2, 21; Numbers 15:40). If that were the case, the apostle would not refer to the union as that of a “believer” and an “unbeliever.” Moreover, this idea would contradict numerous passages that reveal salvation must be accessed by personal obedience (Acts 2:40; 2 Thess. Leviticus 11:44. [1] ויקרא יט:א וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְ-הֹו In summation, Leviticus 19:27-28, Leviticus 21:4-5, and Deuteronomy 14:1-2 prohibit 4 different acts of mourning. So what does it mean for us, then, to be holy? The word means to be “separate” or “set apart.” It also refers to a moral quality of the person. Look at the text again; what,specifically, does Peter mean when he says we should be holy? It’s a compound word: “arsen” means man and “koite” or “koitas” or “koitai”—depending on a verb or a noun—means bed. I am the LORD your God; … He’s perfect. It's not a new idea. The book of Leviticus does not contain much in the way of narrative, aside from a few short stories that serve to illustrate the consequences of breaking the law. There must have been a good reason. That which is “holy” is not only distinct from the profane but in opposition to it as well. I am the LORD your God; … 5 Creation teaches us much about how Jehovah views cleanness. Leviticus 11:44, NIV: "I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. All the attributes of Yahweh make Him Who is because He is holy He is loving, because He is loving, He is just, because He is just, He is merciful… Leviticus 19:2; 20:7, 26 - Because Yahweh is holy he requires holiness. At the end of seven Sabbath Year cycles, or 49 years, God commanded there to be a 50th year set aside as the Year of Jubilee. Leviticus 3 is split up into three parts: Cows, sheep, and goats. “We love (agapomen),” says the writer, “because he first loved (egapesen) us” (1 John 4:19). It was too good for ordinary men. It is impossible for a Christian to attain to full sanctification in this life. To get what Leviticus 11:44 means based on its source text, scroll down or follow these links for the original scriptural meaning , biblical context and relative popularity. To be a holy people means we must honor the salvation of the Lord (Leviticus 11:44-47). Acceptable animals are those that: have a divided hoof/split hooves; chews the cud His character is holy. 5 sin, and live holy in His sight. Information and translations of book of leviticus in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Leviticus 11:44 - "I am the Lord your God. It is God's manual on how to approach Him, be forgiven of . A. Peter is quoting Lev 11:44 (with some blending from 19:2; 20:7and 20:26). The principles that God reveals to the Israelites in Leviticus are intended to separate and protect His people from the past pagan influences of Egypt and the soon Canaanite paganism that will surround them again in the near future. Note Leviticus 18:3 in this regard: Twice, we hear these words, “Be holy, for I am holy.” This is God speaking to His people, God who is obviously holy. It was too good for ordinary men. How popular is the name Holly in UK? See also Leviticus 11:44,45; 20:7, 26. (Leviticus 11:44-45) These verses are some of the most central, in a sense, verses in the entire Book of Leviticus. In other words, in those days, it was the BEST. Blood, as the symbol of life, is the only part of the animal powerful enough to effect purgation, and Yahweh has assigned it. Leviticus 11:44 gives us the big implication of the holiness of God: “Be holy, for I am holy.” The people of God who are called by a holy God to a holy God are called to be a holy people. How long were the Israelites slaves in Egypt? 3:16), then all Scripture is profitable for God's people to use in developing godly lives. What does this verse really mean? Use this table to get a word-for-word translation of the original Hebrew Scripture. Your definition of holy or holiness may be dreadfully different from God. Passages like 1 Samuel 2:2 and Isaiah 6:3 are just two of many examples of passages about God’s holiness. The key verses of Leviticus—"Be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. Haven't found one yet. Because of the nature of his injury and to prevent the possibility of infection, scrupulous care was taken to prevent his visitors from contaminating the surroundings. To be holy is to be a complete person, to fulfill your humanity. The fat was the tastiest, most fragrant, most calorie-dense portion of food available in an often desolate and calorie-poor land. Above all. Regardless of your stance on this, I recommend reading this essay by a gay Orthodox rabbi. We are instructed to be holy because G-d is Holy - but what is the connection between His Holiness and us? The Torah beseeches the Jewish people to be a holy people as it states in Leviticus 11:44 and 11:15, "...be holy because I am Holy." we should not live according to our selfish desires. 26 “ ‘Every animal that does not have a divided hoof or that does not chew the cud is unclean for you; whoever touches the carcass of any of them will be unclean. God is holy (Leviticus 11:44). Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. What did that mean in terms of everyday life? Leviticus 11:44. But our response is also free. am. God called the people of Israel to be holy (Leviticus 11:44, 19:2). Above all. In Leviticus 11:44, God states, "For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy." In the context of those passages, it includes what they ate, how they treated one another, how they approached the Lord, and more. Leviticus 11:44-45. Leviticus 11:44, ESV: "For I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 11:44 Commentaries: 'For I am the LORD your God. God sent His son, Jesus, to show us exactly what holiness is like. Leviticus 11:46 Translation & Meaning. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy. The fat was the tastiest, most fragrant, most calorie-dense portion of food available in an often desolate and calorie-poor land. Freewill. Because of the nature of his injury and to prevent the possibility of infection, scrupulous care was taken to prevent his visitors from contaminating the surroundings. Again, the phrases, "It is the Lord’s," and "Holy to the Lord," are common in Leviticus. (Leviticus 11:44) Here the Lord is telling us that if we eat certain things our temple (1Corinthians 6:19) becomes defiled and we become an … It has to mean something like extirpation (his line of descendants will come to an end and his name erased) or denial of afterlife. “We love (agapomen),” says the writer, “because he first loved (egapesen) us” … It is filled with direct, practical instructions, even though the action takes place in a very different workplace than most of us experience today. “We love (agapomen),” says the writer, “because he first loved (egapesen) us” (1 John 4:19). In the Old Testament, reverence occurs as the translation of two Hebrew words, yare' and shachah. For I am the Lord your God. God says: ‘You shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy’ (Leviticus 11:44). God wants His people to be set apart from that which is sinful or unclean. Leviticus 11:44-45 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. In the OT, qādhôsh refers to dedication to the exclusive use of the Lord. Leviticus 21:8 'You shall consecrate him, therefore, for he offers the food of your God; he shall be holy to you; for I the LORD, who sanctifies you, am holy. One important rule of Bible study is to be sure to read all Scripture in its proper context. 4, 5. By Kelly McDonald, Jr. Leviticus 11:3-8 describes the animals that are "kosher" [kosher is a Hebrew word that means "proper"]. Holiness is foundational to godliness. The Year of Jubilee is meant to protect the poor. Guilt (Reparation) Offering (Leviticus … What does book of leviticus mean? 2. Twice, we hear these words, “Be holy, for I am holy.” This is God speaking to His people, God who is obviously holy. Is that something we can do in our day too? What does the word “holy” mean? In the section titled “Holiness,” Wenham examines what is commonly recognized as one of the major themes of Leviticus (cf. am. 10:11). Often, these consequences mean the death of the offender. 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. But our response is also free. Each one is an acceptable animal to use for the offering and there is a basic set of instructions that can be applied to all of them. These are: 1) Making a bald spot on the head as an act of mourning. 11:44–45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; 21:8). Answer: The scripture you are referring to in regard to what it means to possess an undefiled marriage bed (assuming, of course, that the couple is a man and a woman, and not the unbiblical coupling of two men or two women) between a couple is found in Hebrews 13. Even angels know the difference between clean and unclean animals. Download Study. It’s quite clear that Paul has coined this word from Leviticus 18 and 20. (b) What does creation teach us about how Jehovah views cleanness? Introduction— does Leviticus have anything to tell us about our work? Leviticus 20:7-8 explicitly states "be holy" because "I am the LORD your God," and four other passages communicate the same idea: "He's your God who is holy, so be holy like Him" (11:44-45, 19:2, 20:24-26, and 21:6-8). The law regarding unclean animals—in Leviticus 11—is unique in the Bible: In Leviticus ritual uncleanness had two basic characteristics. What does Leviticus have to do with the church today? The Heart of the Matter Leviticus 11:43-45 Do not defile yourselves by any of these creatures. To me, that doesn’t sound like a ceremonial law; we are to set ourselves apart from the world as YHVH is. Today's section follows immediately after these events. Ex. As we examine these questions, we may see some changes we personally need to make. Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy, for I am holy; neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. My friend was busy at the moment and couldn't come with me, so I went by myself. But even the correct animal blood may not effect purification. King James Version. Lecture 10 - Biblical Law: The Three Legal Corpora of JE (Exodus), P (Leviticus and Numbers) and D (Deuteronomy) Overview. Do not make yourselves unclean by means of them or be made unclean by them. Definition of book of leviticus in the Definitions.net dictionary. For I am the Lord your God. Clean and Unclean Food. WHY DO WE NEED TO BE CLEAN? All the attributes of Yahweh make Him Who is because He is holy He is loving, because He is loving, He is just, because He is just, He is merciful… Leviticus 19:2; 20:7, 26 - Because Yahweh is holy he requires holiness. Leviticus means the "book of laws". Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening, 25 and whoever carries any part of their carcass # ch. No one can become perfectly sinless once and for all. What does it mean to be separated from the world? This is a word of Greek origin meaning “offering.” It is the main sacrifice, where the victim is wholly burnt. He is completely set apart from all that is sinful or unclean. 45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. Circumcision of the Heart in Leviticus and Deuteronomy: Divine Means for Resolving Curse and Bringing Blessing 1. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Verse 16 finishes the thought begun in verse 15. What is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? He’s pure, righteous in every way. And why is being clean good for us? Let's apply this rule to the proof text used above and get to its true meaning. From start to finish, Leviticus is a book that points to Christ. + Text Size —. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. This harkens back to Genesis 9:4ff, which has the same prohibition in God's covenant with Noah after the flood. Is Leviticus 11 Just for Jewish People? You shall not let your cattle engender with a diverse kind: you shall not sow your field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come on you. 3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. The book of Leviticus points to Christ in many ways - for His atoning blood alone takes … The theme of this section is found in 11:44-45: For I am the LORD your God. 'clean' in Leviticus really does mean atonement… For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. (Leviticus 11:44, 45) So the main reason we need to be clean is that we want to be “imitators of God.” —Ephesians 5:1. 4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that only chew the cud, or of them that only part the hoof: the camel, because he cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, he is unclean unto you. The priest must partake of this offering as part of the atonement (Leviticus 10:17). Vayikra - Leviticus - Chapter 11 ... [Whom does “to them” refer to?] There weren’t. Does anyone recognize Peter's words?Where do they come from? Christians these days tend to be super individualistic and look for a fun church that “fits them”. Why does this version, as well as many other modern translations, translate the Greek with a different meaning than the KJV translators understood? In Leviticus 11:44, God says to the people of Israel, “For I am the LORD your God. This is also true in regard to love. 8:6). Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. In the Bible, indicative statements about God often become imperatives for his people—“be holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 11:44), for example. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. This is continuing the example set by God in Leviticus 11. Sin (Purification) Offering (Leviticus 4:1-5:1; 6:24-30). W hat does it mean to give a freewill offering in the Bible? After the Covenant, a special corps of priests had to be established, one totally dedicated to the service of Yahweh. All this is covered in Leviticus 8-10. The priests had to come from the tribe of Levi, the tribe which would be given no share in the later division of Canaan. Jesus said that we should live by every word that God has given us (Matt. It is also not necessarily because oysters are unhealthy and chicken is not. Leviticus 11:44 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. Holiness is an attribute of God that connects God’s character to my daily life. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. 4, 5. 4 We learn to be clean and pure from Jehovah’s own example. To me, that doesn’t sound like a ceremonial law; we are to set ourselves apart from the world as YHVH is. You shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy…" Sanctification is what makes a believer holy and worthy of bearing the image of Christ. Paul calls the church "the Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16). The root idea of the former is fear. Though it is often ridiculed by those that have not read it, or misunderstood by those who do not have spiritual discernment, Leviticus is a book that concentrates on holiness - the holiness of God and the need for the nation of Israel to be holy. "You shall be holy," God informed His chosen nation through Moses. This lecture introduces biblical law in a comparative approach that identifies similarities and differences between Israelite law and other Ancient Near Eastern legal traditions, such as the Code of Hammurabi. I'm reading. 2) Beginning of Exodus (Taken from Numbers 1) 1) 73 2) 600,000 men = 2.5 million people. – Leviticus 11:44 I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore, be holy for I … This does not mean that the marriage itself saves the non-Christian. Be Holy. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SANCTIFIED? Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? The Sabbath is the seventh day of the Jewish week, intended as a day of rest. I’m glad you brought up Leviticus 20:3. I went into the factory to see what they were doing. If we want to be cleansed and enter the kingdom of heaven, we need God’s work in the last days to save us. What does it mean that God is holy? Hebrews 12:14; Leviticus 11:44). Leviticus 16:20-22 explains that Aaron put on the head of the goat all the iniquities, transgressions and sins of the people of Israel and sent the goat free into the wilderness. Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. For I am the Lord your God. The question here is: what is "holy"? In Leviticus 11:44-45 God calls us to be holy for He is holy. 42 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination. God is Holy. See more. Leviticus 11:44 and 45; 1 Peter 1:16 The word holy is used 76 times in Leviticus. Both sanctification and holiness imply being "different" or "set apart" for a special purpose. Most Christians do not know what the word holy actually means and nor did I … God promises to Abraham that He will create a progeny through him, a people set apart for God’s own possession and purposes. The sense seems to be that others' life is … Read 2 Corinthians 6:17 and Ephesians 5:11. That is, 1. (29-30) More Unclean Animals: Reptiles and Other Creeping things. I n the same-sex marriage debate there is increasing reluctance by believers to mention the book of Leviticus. We’ve all got our own relationship with God that is unique to us. Elohim wants us to be holy as He is holy. So how do I understand “to say to them”? First, it was acquired through the direct or indirect contact with something unclean (blood, a corpse, a carcass, etc.). What is the theocracy that we see in Leviticus? It was not intended merely for a bill of fare, or as the directions of a physician about their diet, but God would hereby teach them to sanctify themselves and to be holy, Leviticus 11:44; Leviticus 11:44. (Leviticus 11:44, 45) So the main … This does not mean that sin is no more present in our lives. For I am the Lord your God. For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SANCTIFIED? Many of the sacrifices that the Israelites were to make gave a portion to the priests and Levites. Moses. 11 Then Jehovah said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “Tell the Israelites, ‘These are the living creatures of the earth* that you may eat:+ 3 Every animal that has a split hoof and a cleft in its hooves and that chews the cud may be eaten.. 4 “‘But you must not eat these animals that chew the cud or have a split hoof: the camel, which chews the cud but does not have a split hoof. This does not mean ignoring the specifics of the law, but discerning how God is guiding us to fulfill it in today’s context. In Ezekiel we see the additional notion of the blood and fat as Yahweh's food (44:7). Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13 Christians today do not follow the rules and rituals described in Leviticus. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:26). When was Leviticus written. (Leviticus 11:44, 45) So the main … Leviticus 11:44 and 45; 1 Peter 1:16 The word holy is used 76 times in Leviticus. Browse Sermons on Leviticus 11:44-45. The book was named for the Levites because of the portions that provide instructions to enable them to fulfill their responsibilities. Later, in 1 Peter 1:16, God reiterates, "Be Holy, for I am Holy." The primary purpose of the sin offering is to purify people from an unwitting sin. Holiness in Leviticus is not separation for separation’s sake, but for the sake of a thriving community of the people of God and the recon­ciliation of each person to God. 4 We learn to be clean and pure from Jehovah’s own example. God is holy. The entire book covers a duration of about fifty days (cf. God gave his people instructions on how to live a holy life. What does 1 Peter 1:16 mean? What does it mean for you to be holy? Leviticus Leviticus is the third book in the Bible and set at a time when man’s history had spanned approximately 2,800 years. [That Aaron was to say] to his sons, to Eleazar Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 11 > Verse 44 Library • Free Downloads • eBibles The Meaning of Holy. But why make people unclean even when they didn't sin though? Verse of the Day Leviticus 11: 44-45 44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. 27 Of all the animals that walk on all fours, those that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. (a) Why do we need to be clean? 9:1–14, 24–28; 10:1–14). Who is preparing for it? Peter even quoted Leviticus 11:44-45 in his first letter. (Leviticus 11:44) Here the Lord is telling us that if we eat certain things our temple (1Corinthians 6:19) becomes defiled and we become an … October 8, 2018 By Ralph Drollinger. Leviticus 11:46 Translation & Meaning. 1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 2 Say to the Israelites: These are the creatures that you are allowed to eat from the land animals: 3 You can eat any animal that has divided hoofs, completely split, and that rechews food. Abbreviation: Lev. Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 1:13-16 2. Verse _____ GOD IS HOLY. Leviticus is simply a continuation of Exodus. What does this verse really mean? Leviticus 11:1-47 ESV / 114 helpful votesNot Helpful. Leviticus. The sacrificial system of Leviticus has ceased for the people of God; it has been fulfilled in the coming of Christ (see Heb. 1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 2 Say to the Israelites: These are the creatures that you are allowed to eat from the land animals: 3 You can eat any animal that has divided hoofs, completely split, and that rechews food. Or perhaps it means only to tell the Israelites? Name. God would rather see you be Holy than to be happy. The laws of Leviticus were firmly entrenched in the idea of what it meant to be Israelite. Leviticus 11 (in concert with Deuteronomy 14:3) provides a description of the animals that are unsuitable for food for G-d's people, Israel. They must hereby learn to put a difference between good and evil, and to reckon that it could not be all alike what they did, when it was not all alike what they ate. You'd think that since God made the insects, and so many of them (at least several million species), he'd know how many legs they have! Taken from "Whatever Became of Holiness" by Steve Deneff. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins. Peter is quoting from Leviticus 11:44 and Leviticus 19:2. These verses indicate how that we keep the covenant of the Lord. The Heart of the Matter Leviticus 11:43-45 Do not defile yourselves by any of these creatures. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground." For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; you shall therefore be holy, for I am holy." However, when [Scripture] says (verse 2),“Speak to the children of Israel,” speaking to Israel is already mentioned.