Deuteronomy 14:21
Ye shall not eate of any thing that dieth of it selfe: thou shalt giue it vnto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eate it, or thou mayest sell it vnto an alien: for thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kidde in his mothers milke. Deuteronomy 14:21 (KJV)
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites. It consists of Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land.
The verse begins with the command that the Israelites should not eat anything that dies naturally. This instruction was given to maintain cleanliness and prevent the consumption of potentially unclean or diseased animals.
By allowing the Israelites to give or sell the animals that died naturally to strangers and aliens, God emphasized the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to those who were not part of the Israelite community.
The verse concludes with the declaration “for I am the LORD thy God,” emphasizing God’s authority and reminding the Israelites of their covenant relationship with Him.
The last part of the verse, “Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk,” is often interpreted as a symbolic prohibition against mixing life and death. It has been understood as an injunction against cooking a young goat in the milk of its own mother. This prohibition is repeated three times in the book of Exodus (Exodus 23:19, 34:26) and once here in Deuteronomy. Some commentators see this as a reminder of the separation between life (kid) and death (milk), and a call to avoid participating in practices associated with pagan fertility rituals.
The prohibition against eating animals that die naturally teaches us to value and respect life. It encourages responsible stewardship of the resources and creatures that God has provided, as well as care for our physical‑well‑being.
The instruction to give or sell the animals that died naturally to strangers or aliens highlights the importance of extending hospitality and care to those in need. It reminds us to be generous and welcoming to others, regardless of their background or nationality.
The reference to God’s authority reminds us of our own calling as Christians to live a life set apart for God. We are called to obey God’s commandments, follow His teachings, and live in a manner that reflects His character and love.
The prohibition of seething a kid in its mother’s milk encourages us to consider the symbolism behind this command. It serves as a reminder to avoid participating in practices that may compromise our devotion to God or blur the boundaries between life and death.
Overall, Deuteronomy 14:21 teaches us about respect for life, hospitality, living a holy life, and symbolic separation. It reminds us of God’s expectations for His people and provides valuable lessons that can be applied in our lives today.
