Verse 24
UNCLEANNESS FROM TOUCHING ANIMALS
"And by these ye shall become unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcass of them shall be unclean until the even; and whosoever beareth aught of the carcass of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even. Every beast which parteth the hoof, and is not cloven-footed, nor cheweth the cud, is unclean to you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean. And whatsoever goeth upon its paws, among all beasts that go on all fours, they are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcass shall be unclean until the even. And he that beareth the carcass of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you."
Ceremonial uncleanness prohibited the unclean person from participating in any social event, or act of worship, but after washing his clothes and waiting until evening, the uncleanness was taken away. The specific exclusion of all such creatures as cats and dogs appears in the words, "whatsoever goeth upon its paws." The rigidity of these prohibitions can only be imagined. Think of it being impossible even to touch such a creature as a little kitten!
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