The answer is: Locust

Lev 11

In Leviticus 11, dietary laws give us fascinating insight into ancient Israelite culture and their relationship with the natural world. Among the listed "clean" animals, the locust stands out. While such a choice may seem peculiar to modern palates, it's helpful to remember that locusts are a rich source of protein and were a vital food source in ancient Near Eastern cuisine.

Interestingly, locust consumption isn't merely an Israelite rarity; it's still popular in various global cultures today. Packed with nutrients, they're respected as a "superfood" in regions where they flourish — much like the Israelites, who relied upon local resources for sustenance.

This gives added context to these dietary regulations. The laws were not only about ritual purity; they reflected practical wisdom regarding health and survival in a desert environment where food scarcity was a constant threat. The biblical insistence on dietary distinctions was more than just divine command – it was a form of survival strategy.

Also intriguing in this framework are parallels found in fruit locust lite texts often in literature and art, symbolizing both plague and divine providence, illustrating the balance of abundance and scarcity, fear and sustenance. This suggests a deeper spiritual acknowledgment of how believers engaged with God's creation, praying over their meals as symbols of sustenance directly from the divine. Eating locusts connects the faithful back to the land, revealing a simplistic yet profound connection between humanity, food, and the Earth itself.