Deuteronomy 14
Deuteronomy 14:1-21: What Might Be Eaten, and What Not In this passage, Moses reminds the Israelites that they are God’s special people. He explains that God has chosen, adopted, and set them apart to be holy. Because of this, they must live differently from the nations around them. This includes not only their faith and worship, but also the way they mourn and the food they eat. The rules about food and lifestyle are meant to keep them separate and pure, showing that they belong to God.vv. 1-2: Moses teaches that Israel has three special privileges: God chose them by His grace, not because of their own goodness (v. 2; Eph. 1:4 a). God also adopted them as His children (v. 1 b), giving them a close relationship, like a father and his family. Finally, God made them holy, setting them apart for His service. Because of God’s love and calling, they must live holy lives, dedicated to Him.v. 1: The Israelites must not follow the mourning customs of other nations, such as cutting themselves or shaving their heads when someone dies (v. 1 c). God’s people must not hurt their bodies or show extreme, hopeless grief, because they belong to God and have hope in Him (1 Kings 18:28; 1 Thess. 4:13 d; Jer. 2:27 e). They should trust that, even in loss, God is their Father who cares for them. v. 2: God calls Israel a “holy people,” separated from other nations for His special purpose (v. 2 f). They must not copy the superstitious or idolatrous ways of their neighbors, but instead live as God’s chosen children. vv. 3-8: God gives rules about which animals they may eat. Some animals, such as pigs and rabbits, are forbidden. But they are allowed to eat many kinds of meat, including butcher’s meat and wild game like deer (v. 4; v. 5 g; ch. xii. 22 h). The purpose is to keep them separate from others who eat forbidden animals, especially if those foods are connected to idol worship (Isa. 65:4 i). – – – – – vv. 9-10: They may eat only fish with fins and scales. Shellfish and creatures like eels and leeches are unclean and forbidden as food (v. 9, 10 j). – vv. 11-20: Concerning birds, God lists which ones are unclean, but allows them to eat any bird not specifically forbidden (v. 11-20 k). Of all clean birds, they may eat. – – – – – – – – – v. 21: They must not eat the flesh of any animal that died by itself, because it is considered unclean and not healthy (v. 21; Lev. 11:39 l). They are also told not to cook a young goat in its mother’s milk, which may have been a pagan custom.Application: These food laws were special for the Jews and were not meant for all people in all times. They could give this unclean meat to foreigners, showing that these rules were for Israel alone. In the New Testament, these food laws are ended, because now every creature of God is good (1 Tim. 4:4 m). Deuteronomy 14:22-29: Tithes for Feasting and Charity In this passage, Moses teaches the Israelites about the law of tithing. He explains that they must set aside a tenth of their crops and produce for God. There were actually two tithes: the first supported the Levites, who served in the sanctuary, and the second tithe, which is discussed here, was taken from what remained. This second tithe was used for special religious meals and, every third year, for helping the poor. These rules reminded the people that all they had came from God, and encouraged them to be faithful, thankful, and generous.v. 22: The Israelites are commanded to faithfully separate a tenth of all their crop increases each year (v. 22 n). They must be careful and honest, making sure not to keep back any of God’s portion. This teaches us to always give God what is due to Him, since we are only stewards of what we have. vv. 23-26: The second tithe was to be brought to the sanctuary and used for a holy feast before the Lord (v. 23 o). If it was too difficult to carry the actual crops, they could sell them, bring the money, and buy food to eat at the sanctuary (v. 24, 25 p). This celebration helped the people learn to fear and honor God and to enjoy being in His presence. They were also told to invite the Levites to share with them, remembering that the Levites had no land of their own (v. 27 q). Rejoicing together in worship makes faith stronger and keeps the community united (Heb. 10:25 r). – – – – vv. 28-29: Every third year, the tithe was to be kept in their own towns and used for works of charity (v. 28, 29 s). It was shared with the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, so that everyone could have what they needed and feel cared for. God promises to bless those who are diligent and generous, saying that giving to others is the surest way to be blessed in return (Prov. 10:4, 22; Ezek. 44:30 t).
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