Swine in Jewish-Christian Polemics

Swine in Jewish-Christian Polemics

The issue of eating swine is discussed several times in Jewish anti-Christian polemics. it was often arisen in connection with the validity of the Mosaic Law and with the interpretation of Isaiah 65-66.

The citation below provides a good example for the discussion of the subject. It is from Jacob ben Reuben's polemical treatise called Milhamot ha-Shem. The book was one of the first anti-Christian treatise. it was composed in the third third of the 12th century in Provence. The subject of eating swine arises in connection with the validity of the Mosaic Law.

Jacob ben Reuben: Milhamot ha-Shem 38-39

If it is because of the abomination, behold, I can give you proofs that you should likewise prohibit the pig because abomination, for the Scripture applies the same principle to it as to the mouse, for it is written: Those who ... eat... the flesh of the swine, the reptile, and the mouse, shall one and all come to an end--declares the LORD [Is.66:17] Behold, the reptile and the mouse are counted with the swine, andthe Prophet prophetises evil for the eaters [of swine's flesh], and there is no other people than you in the world for whom the swine is permitted; as for the Ishmaelites, for them it is most strictly forbidden, and for us too it is strictly forbidden, but you remain the only ones to eat it, and yoo have forsaken the words in the Scripture spoken bythe Creator, blessed be He, and have walked after the words of contumely with which the wise men of your barren new doctrine deceived you;for there is no brain in their heads; and you have not remembered that it is forbidden in several Scriptural passages. For behold, it is written in one place: ...those...who immolate dogs,/Who present as oblation the blood of swine,/Who offer incense andworship false gods... [Is.66:3]; and the swine is likened to the dog, so why do you not eat dogs? all this you have seen with your eyes, but did not understand with your thoughts, and you became unclean in the gates of uncleanliness which your agitators andseducers opened for you;but you do not remember that your inheritance is vanity, for your fathers inherited lies, which are futile and worthless [cf. Jer.16:19].

Bibliography

Trautner-Kromann, Hanne. Shield and Sword: Jewish Polemics Against Christianity and the Christians in France and Spain from 1100-1500. Tübingen : Mohr, 1993.