As Christians, we all turn to the Bible for guidance in every aspect of our lives.
From relationships to finances and even diet, the Bible has an answer to all our questions.
One question that often comes up is whether it is okay for Christians to eat rabbits.
While some believe that rabbit meat is clean and acceptable, others hold the belief that it is unclean.
But what does the Bible say about it? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Eating Rabbits Mentioned in Leviticus
To understand what the Bible says about eating rabbits, we need to turn to the book of Leviticus.
In chapter 11, the Bible provides a list of animals that are considered unclean and that should not be eaten. Among the list are rabbits.
According to Leviticus 11:6, “And the hare, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.” This means that rabbits are considered unclean animals and should not be eaten.
However, it is important to note that the dietary laws in Leviticus were given specifically to the Israelites and were part of their identity as chosen people of God.
These laws were not given to Gentiles or to Christians but were meant to set the Israelites apart from the other nations around them.
In the New Testament, we see that these laws were no longer binding on Christians.
Peter and His Vision
In Acts 10, we see Peter having a vision where God tells him that he should not call anything unclean that God has made clean.
This vision was meant for Peter to understand that the gospel was not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles.
The vision was followed by the conversion of a Gentile named Cornelius, and from that point on, the gospel was preached to all nations without regard to dietary laws.
So, as Christians, are we free to eat rabbits? The answer is yes.
While rabbits are considered unclean in the Old Testament, we are no longer bound by the dietary laws of the Old Testament as they were meant for the Israelites.
We are free to eat all types of meat as long as we give thanks to God for it and do not cause others to stumble.
However, it is still important to approach our diet with caution and wisdom. Just because we are free to eat something does not mean it is necessarily good for us.
We need to be mindful of the impact our diet has on our health and the environment.
We also need to be mindful of the impact our diet has on others and avoid causing them to stumble if they have different beliefs or convictions.
Why Does The Bible Say That Rabbits Chew The Cud?
If you’ve ever read Leviticus 11:6, you might be a bit confused by the mention of rabbits chewing the cud.
But before you start questioning your knowledge of rabbit digestion, it’s important to understand what “chewing the cud” meant in biblical times.
Back in the day, “chewing the cud” referred to any animal that repeatedly regurgitated and re-chewed their food.
So while rabbits don’t actually chew the cud in the same way cows do, they do have a unique digestive system that involves a similar process of re-ingesting their food.
It’s just another example of how language and context can change over time – and how important it is to keep that in mind when interpreting any ancient texts.
To Eat or Not To Eat Rabbits Depends on You
In the past, it was against the rules to keep rabbits and they were considered unclean by the Mosaic law. But now, Christians are not required to follow those rules anymore.
So, while rabbits may have been considered unclean in the Old Testament, Christians today are afforded much more freedom when it comes to food.
We should always remember, however, that what we put into our bodies is only one part of our walk with Christ and that there are many other areas of our lives in which we should strive to honor Him in.
As Christians, we should be mindful of the ways in which our food choices can benefit others.
Whether we eat rabbits or not, let us remember to use wisdom and gratitude as guides for all aspects of our lives.
May God bless us as we seek His will and choose to follow paths that bring Him glory.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that our diet is just one aspect of our walk with Christ and that we should always seek to do everything in a way that honors God and benefits those around us.
