All flying insectsIn the context of Leviticus, the term "flying insects" refers to a category of creatures that includes various types of winged insects. In ancient Israel, the classification of animals was based on observable characteristics rather than modern scientific taxonomy. This phrase highlights the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, a theme prevalent throughout Leviticus. The emphasis on flying insects reflects the broader concern with maintaining ritual purity, which was central to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God.
that walk on all fours
The description of insects walking "on all fours" is a way to categorize them based on their movement. Insects typically have six legs, but the phrase "on all fours" may refer to the primary legs used for walking, with the other two possibly used for other functions like grasping or flying. This classification underscores the detailed nature of the dietary laws given to Israel, which were intended to set them apart from other nations. The specificity of these laws reflects the holiness and order that God desired for His people.
are detestable to you
The term "detestable" indicates that these insects are considered unclean and should not be consumed. This reflects the broader Levitical theme of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean. The use of the word "detestable" underscores the seriousness with which these dietary laws were to be observed. In a broader biblical context, this distinction between clean and unclean can be seen as a type pointing to the need for spiritual purity and separation from sin, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who makes believers clean through His sacrifice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, to whom the laws of clean and unclean animals were given.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including dietary laws.
4.
Clean and Unclean AnimalsA classification system given by God to the Israelites to distinguish between animals that could be eaten and those that could not.
5.
The WildernessThe setting where the Israelites received these laws during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's HolinessThe dietary laws in Leviticus highlight God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart. These laws served as a daily reminder of their unique identity and relationship with God.
Symbolism of PurityThe distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the need for spiritual purity and separation from sin. It points to the importance of living a life that honors God in all aspects.
Cultural and Historical ContextRecognizing the cultural and historical context of these laws helps us understand their purpose for the Israelites and how they foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who fulfills the law.
Freedom in ChristWhile the Old Testament laws served a specific purpose, believers today are called to live in the freedom Christ provides, focusing on the heart's condition rather than external rituals.
Practical HolinessAlthough dietary laws are not binding for Christians, the principle of living a life that reflects God's holiness remains. Believers are encouraged to make choices that honor God and reflect His character.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 11
In Leviticus 11:20–23, insects are described as having four legs. How do we reconcile this with modern entomology?
Why does the Bible say insects have four legs when they have six?
In Ezekiel 8:10, why would the temple contain images of “creeping things” if this contradicts the temple’s strict laws against idolatry?
What does "strain at a gnat, swallow a camel" mean?(20)
All the fowls that creep.--Better,
all creeping things which have wings.The swarming animals or insects, which, as we have seen, constitute the fourth class of the Hebrew division of the animal kingdom, are now discussed in
Leviticus 11:20-23. From the fact that in the following verse several kinds of locusts are exempted, it is evident that the phrase "creeping things which have wings" denotes insects.
Going upon all four.--That is, the insects in question not only fly but also creep. The phrase, however, "upon all four" does not refer to the exact number of feet, but, as in some modern languages, denotes walking with its body in a horizontal position, or near the ground, in contradistinction to the two-legged birds discussed in the foregoing verses. This is the sense which the administrators of the law in the time of Christ attached to the phrase. Hence the Chaldee paraphrase of Jonathan translates it, "And all creeping-things which have wings going upon all four, the flyspecies and the wasp or hornet species and the bee species."
Shall be an abomination unto you.--As the bee species is included among "the creeping things which have wings," some have supposed that bee-honey comes within the unclean things which are here said "shall be an abomination unto you." Hence it is thought that the honey (dabesh) which is so frequently mentioned in the Bible as a special feature of the promised land (Exodus 3:8;Exodus 3:17;Exodus 13:5;Exodus 16:14;Exodus 33:3;Leviticus 20:24,etc.),and which formed an important article of food among the Hebrews, was not the natural product of the bee, but is either the grape-honey, thedibs,which is still prepared in many parts of Syria and Palestine, and is exported in great quantities into Egypt; or the vegetable ? honey, the exudation of certain trees and shrubs found in the peninsula of Sinai. Hence, too, it is supposed that the wild honey which Jonathan ate in the wood (1Samuel 14:25), and which was the meat of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4), must refer to this vegetable-honey. But though it is true that the canon which obtained during the second Temple was "Whatsoever cometh from unclean creatures is unclean," and that in accordance with this law the milk of unclean quadrupeds and the eggs of unclean birds and fishes were forbidden, yet the honey of bees was expressly permitted. The administrators of the law in the time of Christ accounted for this exemption that it is not the direct produce of the insect itself, but is a preparation from gathered juices of clean herbs. The Chaldee paraphrase of Jonathan therefore adds, after "shall be an abomination unto you," the words,nevertheless the honey of the bee ye may eat.John the Baptist therefore acted in perfect obedience to the Law when he ate the honey which the bees deposited in the crevices of the rocks and in the hollow of trees. The prohibition to use honey in meatofferings is not owing to its being unclean, but to its producing fermentation. (SeeLeviticus 2:11.) . . .
Verses 20-23. -
All fowls that creep should rather be rendered
all winged creeping things, that is, all flying insects. None are allowed except the
Saltatoria, or locust family. The word translated beetle signifies a sort of locust, like the other three words. That the locust was a regular article of food in Palestine is amply proved. "It is well known that locusts were eaten by many of the nations of antiquity, both in Asia and Africa, and even the ancient Greek thought the
cicadas very agreeable in flavour (Arist. 'Hist. An.,' 5:30). In Arabia they are sold in the market, sometimes strung upon cords, sometimes by measure, and they are also dried and kept in bags for winter use.... They are generally cooked over hot coals, or on a plate, or in an oven, or stewed in butter, and eaten either with salt or with spice and vinegar, the head, wings, and feet being thrown away. They are also boiled in salt and water, and eaten with salt or butter. Another process is to dry them thoroughly, and then grind them into meal, and make cakes of them" (Keil). (Cf.
Matthew 3:4.) The expression
goeth upon all four, means groveling or going in a horizontal position, in contrast with two-legged birds, just spoken of.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Allכֹּ֚ל(kōl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyflyingהָע֔וֹף(hā·‘ō·wp̄)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5775:Flying creaturesinsectsשֶׁ֣רֶץ(še·reṣ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8318:A swarm, active mass of minute animalsthat walkהַהֹלֵ֖ךְ(ha·hō·lêḵ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against[all] foursאַרְבַּ֑ע(’ar·ba‘)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 702:Fourare detestableשֶׁ֥קֶץ(še·qeṣ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8263:Detestation, detestable thingto you.לָכֶֽם׃(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Law: Leviticus 11:20 All flying insects that walk on all (Le Lv Lev.) 
