“And every raven after his kind,”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy where God instructs the Israelites regarding clean and unclean animals for food. In this chapter, Moses is reminding the Israelites of the dietary laws established by God.
In the context of Deuteronomy 14:14, the focus is on the raven. The raven is described as an unclean bird according to the dietary laws. The verse states that every raven, specifically “after his kind,” is considered unclean. This means that any type or species of raven is to be considered unclean and therefore not suitable for consumption.
The distinction between clean and unclean animals in the Old Testament had both practical and symbolic purposes. God established these dietary laws to set apart the Israelites as a holy nation, separate from the practices of the surrounding pagan cultures. These laws served to teach the Israelites about holiness, purity, and obedience to God’s commands.
Symbolically, the raven was associated with impurity and uncleanliness. Ravens were often scavengers and commonly fed on carrion. They were seen as unclean because they represented the opposite of the qualities God desired for His people. In contrast, the clean animals, such as those mentioned in the preceding verses, were generally domesticated and used for food, sacrifice, or agricultural purposes.
It’s important to note that the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament were specifically given to the Israelites as part of their covenant with God. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ proclaimed that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles them but what comes out of their heart (Mark 7:15). Through Jesus, Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, including the dietary restrictions (Acts 10:9-16).
However, while Christians are not obligated to follow the Old Testament dietary laws, the principles behind them can still be instructive. They remind us of the importance of holiness and consecration to God, as well as the need to discern between that which is clean and unclean spiritually.
In summary, Deuteronomy 14:14 emphasizes that the raven is an unclean bird according to the dietary laws of the Old Testament. The verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of the distinction between clean and unclean animals and the importance of adhering to God’s commands. While Christians are not bound by these specific dietary restrictions today, the principles of holiness and obedience can still be gleaned from this passage.
