Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Leviticus
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 11
Overview:
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 connections. 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 connections with those who are dead in
Sin; we must be zealous of good
Works, devoted followers of
God,
and companions of his people.