The worship of Crawling things

“So I went in and looked, and I saw portrayed all over the walls all kinds of crawling things and unclean animals and all the idols of Israel.”
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Ezekiel 8:10 – Original Hebrew Text

The original Hebrew of Ezekiel 8:10 is as follows:

וָאָבֹא וָאֵרֵא וְהִנֵּה כָל־תַּבְנִית רֶמֶשׂ וּבְהֵמָה שֶׁקֶץ וְכֹל גִּלּוּלֵי בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל מְחֻקֶּה עַל־הַקִּיר סָבִיב סָבִיב

Transliteration:

Vā’āvō vā’erē ve-hinnē kol-tavnīt remeś u-vehemāh sheqetz ve-kol gilulēy bēyt-Yisra’ēl meḥuqqēh ‘al-haqqīr sāvīv sāvīv.

Word-by-Word Breakdown:

וָאָבֹא (vā’āvō): “So I came” or “And I went in.”
וָאֵרֵא (vā’erē): “And I saw.”
וְהִנֵּה (ve-hinnē): “And behold” or “And see.”
כָל־תַּבְנִית (kol-tavnīt): “Every form” or “All kinds of forms.”
רֶמֶשׂ (remeś): “Creeping things” or “Crawling things.”
וּבְהֵמָה (u-vehemāh): “And animals” or “And beasts.”
שֶׁקֶץ (sheqetz): “Abominations” or “Detestable things.”
וְכֹל (ve-kol): “And all” or “And every.”
גִּלּוּלֵי (gilulēy): “Idols” or “Detestable idols.”
בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל (bēyt-Yisra’ēl): “House of Israel.”
מְחֻקֶּה (meḥuqqēh): “Engraved” or “Carved.”
עַל־הַקִּיר (al-haqqīr): “On the wall.”
סָבִיב סָבִיב (sāvīv sāviv): “All around” or “Round about.”

Crawling creatures & Creeping things

the Hebrew word רֶמֶשׂ (remeś) generally refers to “crawling creatures” or “creeping things.” In the context of the Bible, it often includes small animals, such as insects, reptiles, and other creatures that move close to the ground. These creatures are sometimes considered ritually unclean according to Jewish law, particularly in the context of Levitical dietary restrictions.

Biblical Context and Usage:

In Genesis 1:24 (Creation narrative): The term רֶמֶשׂ is used to describe creatures that God created to “creep upon the earth.” Here, it represents a broad category of small land animals, distinct from larger animals or birds.
In Leviticus 11 (Dietary Laws): The term רֶמֶשׂ is associated with creatures that are considered unclean and therefore not to be eaten. This includes certain insects and reptiles.

Significance in Ezekiel 8:10:

In Ezekiel 8:10, the term רֶמֶשׂ is used to describe the abominable images that are portrayed on the walls of the temple. The presence of these depictions in the temple indicates the extent of Israel’s apostasy, as these creatures were often linked with idolatrous practices and were considered impure.

Alternative Translations:

“Creeping things” (as in many English translations) reflects the idea of small creatures that move close to the ground.
“Crawling creatures” also conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing their movement and their association with the ground.

This word’s connotation in the biblical text emphasizes the unclean and detestable nature of the idolatry being practiced, reinforcing the severity of the Israelites’ spiritual corruption in Ezekiel’s vision.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, several insects and animals were worshipped or associated with deities due to their perceived symbolic meanings and importance in Egyptian culture. Here is a list of some of the most significant ones:

1. Scorpions

Goddess Selket (Serqet): Scorpions were associated with the goddess Selket, who was both a protective deity and one who could bring harm. She was depicted as a woman with a scorpion on her head. Selket was considered a guardian of the dead and protector of the pharaoh in the afterlife.

2. Snakes (Cobras)

Goddess Wadjet: The cobra was a symbol of protection and royalty in ancient Egypt. Wadjet, often depicted as a cobra, was the goddess of Lower Egypt and was associated with the protection of the pharaoh. The uraeus, a rearing cobra, was often worn on the pharaoh’s crown.
Apep (Apophis): A giant serpent and enemy of the sun god Ra, Apep symbolized chaos and was feared as a force of destruction.

3. Beetles (Scarabs)

Khepri: The scarab beetle was associated with the god Khepri, who represented the morning sun and the concept of rebirth and renewal. Scarab amulets were very popular in ancient Egypt and were believed to protect the wearer and ensure resurrection in the afterlife.

4. Cats

Goddess Bastet: Cats were sacred animals associated with Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and childbirth. Bastet was originally depicted as a lioness but later as a domestic cat. Cats were revered for their ability to protect homes from vermin and were often kept as pets.

5. Crocodiles

God Sobek: Crocodiles were linked with Sobek, a powerful and fearsome deity who was worshipped as a protector of the pharaoh and symbol of strength. Sobek was often depicted with a crocodile head and was believed to control the waters of the Nile.

6. Falcons

God Horus: Falcons were associated with Horus, one of the most important deities in ancient Egypt, who was depicted as a falcon or as a man with a falcon’s head. Horus was the god of the sky and kingship, and the pharaoh was often considered his earthly embodiment.

7. Ibis

God Thoth: The ibis bird was sacred to Thoth, the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. Thoth was often depicted with the head of an ibis, and the bird was revered in connection with intellectual pursuits and the moon.

8. Jackals

God Anubis: The jackal was associated with Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife. Anubis was depicted as a man with the head of a jackal and was believed to protect the dead and guide them to the afterlife.

9. Bulls

Apis Bull: The Apis bull was a sacred animal worshipped as an intermediary between humans and the gods. The bull was associated with strength, fertility, and virility and was considered a manifestation of the god Ptah.

10. Hawks

Horus and Montu: Besides being associated with Horus, hawks were also linked with Montu, a war god who was depicted as a hawk-headed man. Montu symbolized military prowess and was invoked for protection in battle.

11. Dogs

God Anubis: Similar to jackals, dogs were associated with Anubis and were also kept as guardians and companions. The domesticated dog had a strong connection to protection and loyalty.

12. Rams

God Amun: Rams were associated with Amun, a major deity who was considered the king of the gods during the New Kingdom. Amun was often depicted as a man with a ram’s head or simply as a ram.

These animals and insects were not only revered in everyday life but also played crucial roles in Egyptian religious rituals, mythology, and the afterlife. The connection between these creatures and the gods of ancient Egypt reflects the deep spiritual significance that Egyptians attached to the natural world around them.

Ancient India

In ancient India, many animals and insects were revered and worshipped due to their associations with various deities, spiritual symbols, or natural forces. Below is a list of some of the key animals and insects that held religious and cultural significance in ancient Indian traditions, particularly within Hinduism:

1. Snakes (Nāga)

Deity Association: Snakes, especially the cobra, are associated with several Hindu deities, most notably Shiva, who is often depicted with a cobra around his neck. The Nāgas, semi-divine serpent beings, are also worshipped in various forms across India. They are considered protectors of water bodies and are revered in festivals like Nāga Panchami.
Symbolism: Snakes symbolize fertility, protection, and rebirth. They are often seen as guardians of treasures and are associated with the earth and the underworld.

2. Cows

Deity Association: The cow is considered sacred in Hinduism and is associated with several deities, including Krishna, who is depicted as a cowherd. The cow symbolizes non-violence, motherhood, and fertility.
Symbolism: Cows are revered as the embodiment of divine and natural beneficence, and they are often worshipped and treated with great respect.

3. Elephants

Deity Association: Elephants are sacred animals associated with the god Ganesha, who has the head of an elephant. Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.
Symbolism: Elephants symbolize wisdom, strength, and prosperity. They are often part of religious processions and rituals.

4. Monkeys

Deity Association: Monkeys are associated with the god Hanuman, who is revered for his strength, devotion, and loyalty. Hanuman is a central figure in the Ramayana, where he aids Lord Rama in his quest to rescue Sita.
Symbolism: Monkeys symbolize devotion, courage, and service. Hanuman is worshipped as a protector and a symbol of power.

5. Peacocks

Deity Association: The peacock is associated with Kartikeya (Murugan), the god of war, who rides a peacock. The peacock is also a symbol of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning.
Symbolism: Peacocks represent beauty, immortality, and the cycles of time. They are also considered to embody the qualities of patience and compassion.

6. Scorpions

Deity Association: Scorpions are less commonly worshipped but are sometimes associated with the goddess Kali and other fierce deities. In some regions, scorpions are considered to have protective powers.
Symbolism: Scorpions symbolize danger, protection, and the destructive aspect of nature. They are sometimes used in rituals to ward off evil.

7. Rats

Deity Association: Rats are sacred to the god Ganesha, who is often depicted with a rat (Mushika) as his vehicle (vahana). The rat symbolizes the ability to overcome obstacles by going into hidden places.
Symbolism: Rats represent resourcefulness, adaptability, and the ability to navigate through life’s challenges. They are also seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

8. Tigers

Deity Association: The tiger is associated with the goddess Durga, who rides a tiger or lion. Durga is a warrior goddess who fights evil and protects the righteous.
Symbolism: Tigers symbolize power, courage, and ferocity. They are also seen as protectors against evil forces.

9. Beetles

Deity Association: Beetles, particularly the dung beetle, are associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. They are less commonly worshipped but are respected for their role in nature.
Symbolism: Beetles symbolize the process of transformation and regeneration, reflecting the Hindu belief in reincarnation.

10. Fish

Deity Association: Fish are associated with the Matsya avatar of Vishnu, where Vishnu takes the form of a fish to save the world during a great flood.
Symbolism: Fish symbolize fertility, creation, and the sustenance of life. They are also seen as a symbol of abundance.

11. Crocodiles

Deity Association: Crocodiles are associated with the river goddess Ganga and the god Varuna, who is often depicted riding a crocodile.
Symbolism: Crocodiles symbolize strength, protection, and the ferocious aspects of nature.

12. Lizards

Deity Association: In some regions, lizards are considered sacred and are believed to bring good luck. They are not commonly associated with a specific deity but are sometimes worshipped during certain rituals.
Symbolism: Lizards symbolize regeneration, adaptability, and survival.

These animals and insects hold significant symbolic and religious importance in ancient Indian culture, and their worship reflects the deep connection between the natural world and spirituality in Hinduism. Many of these creatures are still revered in various rituals, festivals, and daily life in India today.