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Animal cleanliness and sacrifice by the early Hebrews

Saša Zavrtnik ; Geotehnički fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Damir Žubčić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

This study discusses animal cleanliness and sacrifice by the Early Hebrews. The Hebrews were initially a nomadic nation of shepherds, and their daily life was closely interconnected with animals. In this context, the role of domestic animals, mostly cattle, sheep and goats, was to serve as food for the people, and for use in the rituals of animal sacrifice. The Old Testament biblical record in Torah – The Law was consulted, primarily the book of Leviticus. In it, animals were regulated as clean or unclean, and justification for this regulation can be seen in the prevention of poisoning, and the occurrence and spread of disease. Since animals for sacrifice were required to be without fault, without any
imperfections in physiognomy, and almost perfect in phenotype, the conclusion is that shepherds selected animals based on desirable features. The inspection and castration of animals was also present. The Talmud record defines the concept of kosher slaughter and kosher animals and its purpose can be seen in healthy nutrition and in care for animals. The records depict a high awareness of and responsibility to God and His laws, and towards people and animals, especially during breeding and slaughtering.

Keywords

Hebrews; history of veterinary and human medicine; clean and unclean animals; sacrificing of animals; kosher

Hrčak ID:

222655

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/222655

Publication date:

15.10.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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