The answer is: Those without fins and scales

Deut 14:9

Deuteronomy lays out guidelines that offer profound insights into ancient Israelite culture and beliefs, particularly regarding their dietary laws. The creatures that swim in the water considered halal—fit for consumption—are those that possess both fins and scales. This rule creates an interesting lens into the environmental knowledge of the time; ancient peoples understood that fish with fins and scales were often healthier selections.

While a simple guideline, the distinction sheds light on broader patterns—a connection between cleanliness and the possibility of holiness. By adhering to these rules, the Israelites cultivated a sense of discipline that reverberated through various aspects of their lives, shaping their community identity and relationship with nature.

What's fascinating is that this categorization doesn’t only influence dietary habits for ancient Israelites but echoes throughout various cultural practices. For instance, among modern-day Jewish communities, these clean and unclean classifications still underpin dietary laws in kosher eating.

Moreover, keep in mind that ancient texts were not just about health or hygiene; they expressed a larger, communal ethos. When you reflect on these guidelines, one can see parallels in other ancient traditions, blending spirituality, geometry in design, and understanding man’s role in the ecosystem.

So, while the specifics—those pesky fish that lack fins and scales—might seem trivial, they connect to a strand of wisdom that writes not only the laws of life for a community but also harmonizes with broader cosmic order and well-being. Isn't it fascinating how something as simple as what to eat asks so many deep questions?