“And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.”
Deuteronomy 14:19 is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy where God provides dietary laws to the Israelites. In this specific verse, God declares that every flying insect or creeping creature is considered unclean and should not be eaten by the Israelites.
To better understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to explore the context and the overall theme of the dietary laws found in the Old Testament.
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is primarily a record of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It contains various laws and regulations that the Israelites were to follow to maintain their covenant relationship with God.
Dietary Laws: The dietary laws provided in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in Deuteronomy were an important aspect of the Israelites’ religious and cultural practices. These laws outlined which animals were considered clean (suitable for consumption) and which were unclean (not suitable for consumption).
The purpose behind these dietary laws can be understood from multiple perspectives:
- Symbolic/Purity: The dietary laws helped to reinforce the concept of holiness and separation from impurity. By abstaining from certain foods, the Israelites were reminded of their unique relationship with God and their call to be a holy people.
- Health and Hygiene: Many of the unclean animals listed in the dietary laws were more prone to carrying diseases or parasites. By avoiding these animals, the Israelites were protected from potential health risks.
- Cultural Distinction: The dietary laws served to set the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites maintained their distinct identity and avoided participating in pagan practices.
Deuteronomy 14:19:
In this specific verse, God addresses the issue of creeping things that fly, such as certain insects. These creatures were considered unclean and were not to be consumed as food. The exact reasons for categorizing them as unclean are not explicitly mentioned in the verse. However, it is likely that the distinction was made based on their unique characteristics, cultural associations, or health concerns.
It’s important to note that the dietary laws given in the Old Testament, including Deuteronomy 14:19, were specifically intended for the Israelites during that time. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the New Testament teaches that Christians are no longer bound by these dietary restrictions (Mark 7:18-19; Acts 10:9-16).
In summary, Deuteronomy 14:19 is part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The verse emphasizes that certain flying and creeping creatures are considered unclean and should not be eaten. These laws served various purposes, including maintaining the Israelites’ holiness, ensuring their health and hygiene, and setting them apart from other nations. However, it’s important to understand that these dietary laws are not binding on Christians today.
