Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.
However, you must not eat these animals that either chew the cud or have split hooves, but not both: the camel, the rabbit, and the rock badger. These animals chew the cud but don't have split hooves, so they are unclean for you to eat.
God is telling the Israelites that certain animals are off-limits for food because they don't meet both requirements of chewing cud AND having split hooves.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is reiterating God's laws to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. These dietary restrictions were part of the covenant that emphasized holiness and separation from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. They served as a practical way for the Israelites to maintain ritual purity and distinguish themselves as God's chosen people.
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