“But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray.”
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites about certain birds that they are not permitted to eat. The specific birds mentioned are the eagle, the ossifrage (also known as the bearded vulture or lammergeier), and the ospray (also known as the fish hawk or sea eagle).
Now, let’s explore the broader context of this verse within the book of Deuteronomy. The book of Deuteronomy is primarily a series of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites, just before they were to enter the Promised Land. These speeches serve as a reminder of God’s covenant with the Israelites and provide instructions for living in obedience to God.
In Chapter 14, Moses addresses the topic of dietary regulations and the distinction between clean and unclean animals. God had given the Israelites specific instructions regarding which animals were suitable for food. These instructions were designed to promote the Israelites’ physical health, as well as to symbolize their separation and holiness as God’s chosen people.
In verse 12, three specific birds are listed as examples of unclean birds that the Israelites should not eat. The eagle, ossifrage, and ospray were likely included because of their predatory nature or their association with carrion. God wanted the Israelites to avoid consuming birds that were known for feeding on dead animals, as this could lead to various health risks.
It’s important to note that the dietary laws given in the Old Testament, including the prohibition against eating certain birds, were part of the Mosaic Law and were specifically applicable to the Israelites at that time. These laws were meant to distinguish the Israelites from the surrounding nations and were eventually fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
For Christians today, the dietary restrictions mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:12 and the rest of the Mosaic Law are not binding. In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and the Apostle Paul taught that believers are no longer under the requirements of the Mosaic Law (Romans 14:14; Colossians 2:16-17).
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are not directly applicable to Christians today, there are still valuable principles that can be gleaned from these passages. They teach us about God’s desire for His people to be set apart, to make wise and healthy choices, and to be mindful of the physical and spiritual aspects of their lives.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 14:12 provides a specific instruction to the Israelites regarding the birds they were not allowed to eat. This verse is part of a larger passage that outlines dietary regulations for the Israelites under the Mosaic Law. While Christians are not bound by these specific dietary laws, there are important principles to be learned about holiness, health, and obedience to God’s commands.
