The worship of Crawling things

Crawling creatures & Creeping things

The Hebrew word רֶמֶשׂ (remeś) usually means “crawling creatures” or “creeping things.” In the Bible it often covers small animals that move close to the ground, such as insects and reptiles. Jewish law sometimes counts these creatures as ritually unclean. This is above all the case in the Levitical food laws.

Biblical Context and Usage:

• In Genesis 1:24 (Creation narrative): רֶמֶשׂ describes creatures God made to “creep upon the earth.” Here it means a broad group of small land animals. They are set apart from larger animals and from birds.
• In Leviticus 11 (Dietary Laws): רֶמֶשׂ is used for creatures that are unclean and may not be eaten. This includes some insects and reptiles.

Significance in Ezekiel 8:10:

In Ezekiel 8:10, רֶמֶשׂ describes the abominable images painted on the walls of the temple. These images in the temple show how far Israel had turned away from God. The creatures were often tied to idol worship and seen as impure.

Alternative Translations:

• “Creeping things” is used in many English translations. It points to small creatures that move close to the ground.
• “Crawling creatures” has a similar meaning. It stresses how they move and their tie to the ground.

In Ezekiel’s vision the word marks the idol worship as unclean and detestable. It shows how deep the Israelites’ spiritual corruption had gone.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, several insects and animals were worshipped or linked to gods. People gave them symbolic meaning and an important place in their culture. Here are some of the most important ones.

1. Scorpions

• Goddess Selket (Serqet): Scorpions were linked to the goddess Selket. She could protect, and she could also harm. She was shown as a woman with a scorpion on her head. Selket was a guardian of the dead and protected the pharaoh in the afterlife.

2. Snakes (Cobras)

• Goddess Wadjet: The cobra was a symbol of protection and royalty in ancient Egypt. Wadjet was often shown as a cobra. She was the goddess of Lower Egypt and protected the pharaoh. The pharaoh’s crown often carried the uraeus, a rearing cobra.
• Apep (Apophis): Apep was a giant serpent and the enemy of the sun god Ra. He stood for chaos and was feared as a force of destruction.

3. Beetles (Scarabs)

• Khepri: The scarab beetle was linked to the god Khepri. He stood for the morning sun and for rebirth and renewal. Scarab amulets were very popular in ancient Egypt. People believed they protected the wearer and ensured resurrection in the afterlife.

4. Cats

• Goddess Bastet: Cats were sacred to Bastet, the goddess of the home, fertility and childbirth. Bastet was first shown as a lioness and later as a house cat. Cats were valued because they kept homes free of vermin. They were often kept as pets.

5. Crocodiles

• God Sobek: Crocodiles were linked to Sobek, a powerful and fearsome god. He was worshipped as a protector of the pharaoh and a symbol of strength. Sobek was often shown with a crocodile head. People believed he controlled the waters of the Nile.

6. Falcons

• God Horus: Falcons were linked to Horus, one of the most important gods in ancient Egypt. He was shown as a falcon or as a man with a falcon’s head. Horus was the god of the sky and of kingship. The pharaoh was often seen as Horus on earth.

7. Ibis

• God Thoth: The ibis was sacred to Thoth, the god of wisdom, writing and knowledge. Thoth was often shown with the head of an ibis. The bird was honored for its tie to learning and to the moon.

8. Jackals

• God Anubis: The jackal was linked to Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife. Anubis was shown as a man with the head of a jackal. People believed he protected the dead and guided them to the afterlife.

9. Bulls

• Apis Bull: The Apis bull was a sacred animal. It was worshipped as a go-between for humans and the gods. The bull stood for strength, fertility and virility. It was seen as a form of the god Ptah.

10. Hawks

• Horus and Montu: Hawks were linked to Horus. They were also linked to Montu, a war god shown as a man with a hawk’s head. Montu stood for military skill. People called on him for protection in battle.

11. Dogs

• God Anubis: Dogs, like jackals, were linked to Anubis. They were also kept as guards and companions. The house dog was closely tied to protection and loyalty.

12. Rams

• God Amun: Rams were linked to Amun, a major god. In the New Kingdom he was seen as the king of the gods. Amun was often shown as a man with a ram’s head, or simply as a ram.

These animals and insects had a place in daily life. They also had a part in Egyptian religious rituals, in myth and in beliefs about the afterlife. Their ties to the gods show how much spiritual meaning the Egyptians saw in the natural world.

Ancient India

In ancient India, many animals and insects were honored and worshipped. They were linked to gods, spiritual symbols or forces of nature. Below are some of the key animals and insects with religious and cultural meaning in ancient Indian traditions, above all in Hinduism.

1. Snakes (Nāga)

• Deity Association: Snakes, above all the cobra, are linked to several Hindu gods. The best known is Shiva, who is often shown with a cobra around his neck. The Nāgas are half-divine serpent beings. They are worshipped in many forms across India. They are seen as protectors of rivers, lakes and other waters. They are honored in festivals like Nāga Panchami.
• Symbolism: Snakes stand for fertility, protection and rebirth. They are often seen as guardians of treasure. They are tied to the earth and the underworld.

2. Cows

• Deity Association: The cow is sacred in Hinduism. It is linked to several gods, including Krishna, who is shown as a cowherd. The cow stands for non-violence, motherhood and fertility.
• Symbolism: Cows are honored as a form of divine and natural goodness. They are often worshipped and treated with great respect.

3. Elephants

• Deity Association: Elephants are sacred to the god Ganesha, who has the head of an elephant. Ganesha removes obstacles and is the god of beginnings.
• Symbolism: Elephants stand for wisdom, strength and prosperity. They often take part in religious processions and rituals.

4. Monkeys

• Deity Association: Monkeys are linked to the god Hanuman. He is honored for his strength, devotion and loyalty. Hanuman is a central figure in the Ramayana. There he helps Lord Rama rescue Sita.
• Symbolism: Monkeys stand for devotion, courage and service. Hanuman is worshipped as a protector and a symbol of power.

5. Peacocks

• Deity Association: The peacock is linked to 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 stand for beauty, immortality and the cycles of time. They are also seen as signs of patience and compassion.

6. Scorpions

• Deity Association: Scorpions are worshipped less often. They are sometimes linked to the goddess Kali and other fierce gods. In some regions scorpions are believed to have protective powers.
• Symbolism: Scorpions stand for danger, protection and the destructive side of nature. They are sometimes used in rituals to keep evil away.

7. Rats

• Deity Association: Rats are sacred to the god Ganesha. He is often shown with a rat (Mushika) as his vehicle (vahana). The rat stands for overcoming obstacles by getting into hidden places.
• Symbolism: Rats stand for resourcefulness and adaptability. They find their way through life’s challenges. They are also a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

8. Tigers

• Deity Association: The tiger is linked to the goddess Durga, who rides a tiger or a lion. Durga is a warrior goddess. She fights evil and protects the righteous.
• Symbolism: Tigers stand for power, courage and ferocity. They are also seen as protectors against evil forces.

9. Beetles

• Deity Association: Beetles, above all the dung beetle, are linked to the cycle of life, death and rebirth. They are worshipped less often, but they are respected for their role in nature.
• Symbolism: Beetles stand for change and renewal. This fits the Hindu belief in reincarnation.

10. Fish

• Deity Association: Fish are linked to the Matsya avatar of Vishnu. In this form Vishnu becomes a fish to save the world during a great flood.
• Symbolism: Fish stand for fertility, creation and the support of life. They are also a symbol of abundance.

11. Crocodiles

• Deity Association: Crocodiles are linked to the river goddess Ganga and to the god Varuna. Varuna is often shown riding a crocodile.
• Symbolism: Crocodiles stand for strength, protection and the fierce side of nature.

12. Lizards

• Deity Association: In some regions lizards are sacred and are believed to bring good luck. They are not usually tied to one god. They are sometimes worshipped during certain rituals.
• Symbolism: Lizards stand for renewal, adaptability and survival.

In ancient Indian culture these animals and insects carry religious and symbolic weight. Their worship shows how closely Hinduism ties the natural world to the spiritual. Many of these creatures are still honored in rituals, festivals and daily life in India today.