Why Solomon Taught the Eight Reptiles of the Torah Have Skins

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Chukat 15:2

"And concerning the creeping thing" (1 Kings 5:13 [4:33]). Now is it possible to speak about a creeping thing? Rather, Solomon said: For what reason is it that, in the case of the eight reptiles that are in the Torah, one who hunts them or wounds them is liable, while for the rest of the swarming things and creeping things one is exempt? Because they have skins.

Themes

Biblical References