Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Leviticus 11:1-23
Distinctions between clean and unclean animals 11:1-23We have here the same threefold division of animals that inhabit the land, sea, and air as the one that appears in the story of creation (Genesis 1:20-23)."It has long been recognized . . . that the order of the purity laws in Leviticus 11 follows that of the creation of animal life in Genesis 1 (Rashi). Moreover, just as in Genesis 1 God distinguished ’good’ and ’evil’ in his new creation, so also in Leviticus 11 God distinguished the... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Leviticus 11:16
16. the owl—It is generally supposed the ostrich is denoted by the original word. the nighthawk—a very small bird, with which, from its nocturnal habits, many superstitious ideas were associated. the cuckoo—Evidently some other bird is meant by the original term, from its being ranged among rapacious birds. DR. SHAW thinks it is the safsaf; but that, being a graminivorous and gregarious bird, is equally objectionable. Others think that the sea mew, or some of the small sea fowl, is intended.... read more