So how many pigs were there? If you said “two”, then you were…. right! There were two. One male. One female. Now to the next question.
How many sheep were on the ark? There were two of every animal, right? Wrong.
“Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate…” Genesis 7:2 (ESV)
Okay, ignoring that there is a bit of uncertainty in the Hebrew as to whether the number is 7 pairs or 7 total, the point is that there was a category of animal known as ‘clean’! Long before Yehovah (the LORD) gave the ‘Law’ through Moses, there was a distinction between ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ animals. And, it seems, that Noah knew the distinction even before this as God does not need to explain it to him (in my opinion).
You may say, “So what? Just a bit further on God says, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.” Genesis 9:3 (ESV). Doesn’t this show that we can eat anything?” Many people take it to mean just that, but I wonder.
First off, God also said that “As I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” Genesis 9:3 (ESV) And yet there are many poisonous plants that should not be eaten (or not eaten raw). There has always been exceptions to what can be eaten. In the garden of Eden, the exception was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Today, just about any animal can be eaten (and are eaten). But does that mean that we, as followers of Yehovah (the LORD) through Yeshua (Jesus), are to eat anything?
To me, the issue between clean and unclean animals is just another test. Will we, or will we not, follow what God wants? Will we (well, Adam and Eve) or will we not eat from the forbidden tree (in the garden of Eden) even though it is good to eat? The question is the same today, will we or will we not eat only those things God has called clean?
So, instead of just accepting the doctrine that says ‘Christians can eat whatever they want; Jesus nullified the dietary laws,’ check it out for yourself. If you have questions, send them in (see the ‘questions‘ page) and I (or a guest author) will address them soon.
To me, following God’s dietary law is an opportunity to honor Him everyday, and serve Him with all parts of my body.
Shalom! – Yosef
The ‘Questions‘ page is new. Check it out!
