In this chapter, Moses talks with the people of Israel about the consumption of ceremonially clean and unclean animals, and the giving of tithes. He begins by telling the people they are set apart as holy, and to never shave their heads or cut themselves for the sake of the dead.
Moses then says, “You must not eat animals that are ceremonially unclean. These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.” (Deuteronomy 14:3-5)
Moses continues, “Any animal that has split hooves and chews the cud may be eaten, but if the animal doesn’t have both, it may not be eaten. So you may not eat the camel, the hare, or the rock badger. They chew the cud but do not have split hooves. And the pig may not be eaten, for though it has split hooves, it does not chew the cud. All these animals are ceremonially unclean for you. You may not eat or even touch the dead bodies of such animals.” (Deuteronomy 14:6-8)
“As for marine animals, you may eat whatever has both fins and scales. You may not, however, eat marine animals that do not have both fins and scales. They are ceremonially unclean for you. You may eat any bird that is ceremonially clean. These are the birds you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey, the buzzard, kites of all kinds, ravens of all kinds, the ostrich, the nighthawk, the seagull, hawks of all kinds, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the pelican, the carrion vulture, the cormorant, the stork, herons of all kinds, the hoopoe, and the bat.” (Deuteronomy 14:9-18)
Moses then tells the people not to eat flying insects because they are ceremonially unclean, and animals that have died a natural death are not to be eaten as well.
Man…I’m definitely grubbing on some bacon and catfish! What does this mean for us today? Do these rules apply to us today in this modern world? Does this affect our salvation? If not, why doesn’t it? As usual, if anyone knows, finds out, or has relevant information to share, please place a comment.
Moses then explains tithes. “You must set aside a tithe of your crops--one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored, and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of gran, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to fear the Lord your God. Now the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored might be a long way from your home. If so, you may sell the tithe portion of your crops and herds and take the money to the place the Lord your God chooses. When you arrive, use the money to buy anything you want --an ox, a sheep, some wine, or beer. Then feast there in the presence of the Lord your God and celebrate with your household.
Now this is interesting to me because it sounds like the people are not giving their tithe to the Lord or anyone else; they’re just bringing their tithe to where they will honor the Lord, but they will enjoy that tithe amongst themselves with their family.
Moses ends the chapter instructing the people to remember the Levites since they don’t get an inheritance, and set aside crops for them, along with foreigners, orphans, and widows so they can eat and be satisfied.
Lord, Thank you for your Word today! Help us to accurately understand your Word, not adding to or subtracting from it in any way. Open our eyes to YOUR truth! We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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