Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryLeviticus 11

Moral. The principles expressed in the Decalogue reflect the divine character, and are as immutable as God Himself (see Matt. 5:17, 18; Rom. 3:31).

Ceremonial. These laws were concerned with a system of worship that prefigured the cross, and accordingly expired at that time (Col. 2:14–17; Heb. 7:12).

Civil. These laws applied the broad principles of the Ten Commandments to the economy of ancient Israel as a nation. Though this code became inoperative when ancient Israel ceased to be a nation and has not been reinstated as such in the modern, nontheocratic state of Israel, yet the fundamental principles of justice and equity involved are still valid.

Health. The dietary principles of Lev. 11, together with other sanitary and health regulations, were intended by a wise Creator to promote health and longevity (see Ex. 15:26; 23:25; Deut. 7:15; Ps. 105:37; PP 378). Based as they are upon the nature and requirements of the human body, these principles could in no way be affected either by the cross or by the disappearance of Israel as a nation. Principles that contributed to health 3,500 years ago will produce the same results today. The sincere Christian considers his body to be the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20). Appreciation of this fact will lead him, among other things, to eat and drink to the glory of God, that is, to regulate his diet according to God’s revealed will (1 Cor. 9:27; 10:31). Thus he must, to be consistent, accept and obey the principles set forth in Lev. 11.