“Of all clean birds ye shall eat.”
In the preceding verses, God outlines a distinction between clean and unclean animals for the Israelites. The clean animals are those that they are permitted to eat, while the unclean animals are prohibited. This distinction is part of the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites as a means of setting them apart as His chosen people and promoting their health and holiness.
In Deuteronomy 14:11, the focus is specifically on clean birds. The Bible does not provide an explicit list of clean birds in this verse or in the immediate context. However, in Leviticus 11, which also addresses dietary laws, there is a more extensive list of clean and unclean birds provided.
According to Leviticus 11:13-19:some examples of clean birds that the Israelites were allowed to eat include:
- The turtledove:
- The pigeon
- The quail:
- The partridge
These birds were considered clean because they met the criteria set by God.
While the exact reason for designating certain birds as clean is not always provided in the Bible, some scholars speculate that it may be related to the birds’ characteristics, behaviour, or diet.
In the New Testament:Jesus declared all foods clean, signifying a change in dietary regulations for Christians (Mark 7:19). However, studying these passages can still provide insights into God’s character and His desire for His people to live in accordance with His instructions.
The principles of holiness, obedience, and discernment can be derived from the study of dietary laws in the Old Testament.
In conclusion:Deuteronomy 14:11 emphasises that the Israelites were allowed to eat the clean birds according to God’s instructions. This verse highlights the importance of following God’s dietary laws in the context of the Mosaic Covenant, which was established with the Israelites as a means of setting them apart and promoting their well‑being.
