Definition: And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the morter of the house; and he shall carry [them] forth out of the city into an unclean place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 14:45. It’s a pretty serious instruction about how to deal with certain animals. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that certain animals are considered too dirty or dangerous to be kept as pets or used for food by humans. It’s a rule designed to protect human health and safety. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof…” : This means the animals are being systematically dismantled – taken apart – to a very basic level. Think of it like dismantling a building block. The "stones" refer to the walls and foundation of the animal’s home. "...and he shall carry [them] forth out of the city into an unclean place.” : This is the crucial part. The animals are being taken away from populated areas – places where people live, where there's a lot of activity, and where it's considered unclean. It’s being moved to a place that isn't meant for human habitation. Why did this rule exist? Historically, this was a practice rooted in religious beliefs about impurity. The Torah (the first five books of the Bible) says that certain animals were considered "unclean" because they were associated with sin and death. By removing them from cities, the purpose was to prevent contamination and protect human health. It wasn’t about making the animals unattractive; it was a way to safeguard people from disease. Important Note: This rule applies specifically to certain animals – primarily those that are considered “wild” or “impure.” It doesn't apply to all animals. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse in Leviticus? Give more context about the historical reason behind this rule?