“Ye shall not eat of anything that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.”
Context: 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.
Meaning and Significance:
- Prohibition of Eating Animals that Die Naturally: 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. The Israelites were to give such animals to foreigners living among them or sell them to aliens.
- Hospitality towards Strangers: 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. It was an expression of generosity and care for those residing in their midst.
- Holiness and Separation: The verse concludes with the statement that the Israelites were a holy people unto the Lord their God. This reminds them of their special status and their calling to live in accordance with God’s commandments. They were to set themselves apart from the practices of other nations and follow the laws and regulations given by God.
- The Prohibition of Seething a Kid in Its Mother’s Milk: 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.
Lessons for Today:
- Respect for Life: 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.
- Hospitality and Generosity: 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.
- Living a Holy Life: The reference to the Israelites as a holy people 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.
- Symbolic Separation: 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.
