ELTB CC 10-11
There are a few insects that are exceptions to the rule for creeping things that fly. The actors on the stage could eat them. [1] They teach us something God wants us to learn. These critters are clean because although they fly and creep on all fours, they are distinguished by a large set of legs for leaping and jumping into the air.
Leaping into the air, makes them look like they are striving to live in the spirit. These are people who get angry, or frustrated; they may be selfish sometimes; they may forget God from time to time. But they want to do better. So they ask God for help, and try to be good. We are like that sometimes, and God knows our heart.
The word 'leg' also means 'kneeling' as if praying. These insects may look like they are praying as they eat. Praying is a good practice if you want to know God better.
The word for 'leaping' also means 'stripping off' or 'tremble'. The apostle Paul said to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" as we strip off the old man. [2] He calls the flesh the 'old man'.
- leg kara‘ כרע - kneel in reverence
- leap nathar נתר - tremble, strip
The locust, bearded locust, beetle, and grasshopper represent those who are positive influences for us as they appear to strive to know God better in the play. [3]
- ↑ ▸ ± Le 11:21 Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon [all] four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;
- ↑ ▸ ± Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
- ↑ ▸ ± Le 11:22 [Even] these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
