THE first time we read of the swine in Scripture is in Lev. 11:7, where the Israelites were forbidden to eat its flesh, as it was amongst the unclean animals. Though dividing the hoof, it does not chew the cud. Some think the reason of this law was because, in hot countries, swine are subject to distempers, and unwholesome; some, because they eat all sorts of unclean things; others think that it was to keep the Jews from imitating the Egyptians, who sacrificed swine to their idols, and then ate their flesh. In Isa. 65:4, we read of the Jews remaining among the graves, practicing necromancy and eating swine’s flesh, though forbidden by the law. And that judgment would come upon them is shown by Isaiah 46:17, where it says that they shall be consumed. The law not only forbade the Jews eating their flesh, but also touching their dead carcass. (Deut. 14:8). Swine are well known to be dirty and disgusting in their habits, poking their snouts into mud or any kind of rubbish. Solomon compares a fair woman without discretion to a swine with a jewel in his nose. Nose-jewels are worn by Eastern women. In either case it would leave them debased still. Some think that it was to punish those who, contrary to the law kept swine, that our Saviour allowed the unclean spirits to enter into the herd of those animals when they ran down the steep place, and perished in the sea. (Matt. 8:30-32). The sow is mentioned, as liking to wallow in the mire, in 2 Peter 2:2. Swine are supposed to have been originally derived from the wild boar, which is a cleaner animal in its habits than the swine. It is found in forests, and lives chiefly on shrubs, roots, and fruit. In the vineyards it not only eats the grapes, but roots up the vines. To this David alludes in the Psalms, when he says, “The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.” (Psa. 80:13).
J. H. P.
The second prize, “A Bible,” is awarded to Mary H.