Deu 14:1 | MHM | STEP | 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 ). God also adopted them as His children ( v. 1 ), 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 ). 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 ; Jer. 2:27 ). They should trust that, even in loss, God is their Father who cares for them.

‏ Deuteronomy 14:1

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.