The Characteristic of Ruminating

Among the two traits that define clean animals in Scripture, ruminating is one. Let’s explore this process in cows, goats, and sheep—animals deemed pure and pleasing to God.

Leviticus 11:3-4

[3] Among the animals, whatever has a split hoof and chews the cud, that you may eat; [4] but of those that chew the cud or have a split hoof, you shall not eat...

What Is Ruminating?Ruminating refers to the process where animals first consume food, then later regurgitate it to chew thoroughly before swallowing. This allows them to fully absorb nutrients.

Spiritual Lessons from Ruminating:

1) Ruminating is necessary: Animals graze and later chew their food at rest. Similarly, after hearing God’s Word in church or gatherings, we must reflect on it. Just as animals extract nutrients through rumination, we gain deeper understanding by meditating on teachings.

2. Dedicate Time to Reflection: Do you think animals suffer no consequences if they skip rumination? Not at all—they will eventually chew the cud to gain full nourishment. Likewise, if we hear God’s Word but fail to meditate, we grasp only fragments of its meaning.

3. More Rumination: A cow’s stomach (rumen) stores up to 90 liters of food. Though we may listen to sermons all day, many Christians rush out after worship without reflection. Cows spend 35–40% of their day ruminating—a model for us. If we spend two hours hearing the Word, we should devote at least an hour to meditating on it.

4. The Power of rumination: Cows absorb 75% of their food’s energy through rumination. Without it, they digest only a fraction. Similarly, hearing a message without reflection lets us grasp just 25% of its truth. Full understanding comes through contemplation. 

5. Nothing is Wasted: Clean animals like cows, sheep, and goats produce waste that benefits others—cow dung fertilizes fields, and goat/sheep manure is prized by farmers. Likewise, when we internalize God’s Word, our words and actions bear fruit. Those who speak without reflection spread emptiness, but thoughtful believers ensure every word has purpose. 

6. Ruminating Animals Only Needed:

The characteristic of ruminating Calves lack a fully functional rumen while drinking milk—they are not yet ready for solid food. Similarly, new believers need spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2) before digesting deeper truths.

Micah 6:6 asks, “With what shall I come before the Lord?” The prophet mentions “calves a year old”—animals mature enough to ruminate. God desires believers who grow beyond spiritual infancy, strong in faith and discernment.

There are still a few more instances like this in the Bible...

Matthew 20:17 - As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside and said to them on the way.

Matthew 17:19 - Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"

Therefore, the nature of rumination and the characteristic of rumination is necessary for believers and for those who need to grow in faith. If you did not understand the message you heard, it means you did not ruminating it. Only by rumination you can grasp its full power and be transformed into strong individuals in the spirit.