Dracophage
Israel was forbidden to eat serpent-like creatures who were in the curse-prosecuting dust, crawling on their “bellies” like the snake in the garden (Leviticus 11:42; cf. Genesis 3:14).
Christians believe that was not a permanent prohibition. In the new covenant, all foods are available, even serpentine ones (Acts 10-11).
Why the change? Israel was in a state of infancy; they were babies who could digest only milk. In Christ, the people of God reach majority (Galatians 3-4), and so are given solid food (cf. Hebrews 5).
Even serpentine food. Jesus was not devoured by sin and Satan; He was the sin-eater. He swallowed death in His death, devoured the serpent, to form a community of dracophages.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
In Medias Res
Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.