Clean and Unclean
Beasts — The classification of the Clean Beasts is summarized as follows: “Every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that shall ye eat”—Deut. 1:6. This classification includes the ox, the sheep, and all kindred animals such as the goat, the deer and the bison.
The Unclean Beasts include, first and foremost, the swine, whose flesh should not be eaten in any shape or form. The hare, and the coney (rabbit) are also mentioned. Rabbits are vermin, akin to the rat family, and their nature of life and inbreeding habits leave them prone to the most loathsome diseases. In addition to this all rabbits commonly eaten die with the blood. In Levit. 11:41-44, we also find “every creeping thing” forbidden, and “whatsoever goeth upon the belly (snakes etc.), and whatsoever goeth upon all four (lizards etc.), or whatsoever hath more feet (than four) among all creeping things that creep upon the earth.” All these are classed, like the swine, as an “Abomination.” In verse 27 of this same chapter we also read: “And whatsoever goeth upon its paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you.” Finally, in verses 29-30, the following animals are listed as being unclean: the weasel, mouse, tortoise after his kind, ferret, chameleon, lizard, snail and mole.
Fishes — The classification of the Clean Fishes is as follows:—”These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat”—Deut. 14. 9-10, which includes such fish as Herring, Haddock, Halibut, Hake, Whiting, Pollock, Smelt, Anchovies, Salmon, Trout, etc.
The Unclean Fishes are similarly classified as: “Whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you”—Deut. 14. 10, which includes such fish as Mackerel, Dogfish, Ray, Sturgeon (caviare), etc., also all other sea life which creeps, crawls or swims “in the waters,” having no fins or scales, such as eels, lobsters, crabs, prawns, all shellfish, oysters, etc.