Commentary on Deuteronomy 14:6

Text of the Verse: "And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that shall ye eat." (Deuteronomy 14:6)

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy that deals with dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws are significant not only for their practical implications but also for the theological message they convey about holiness, obedience, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Understanding the Dietary Laws

The dietary restrictions laid out in Deuteronomy, particularly in this verse, reflect God's desire for His people to maintain a distinct identity. The criteria for permissible animals—those that both part the hoof and chew the cud—serve as a means to reinforce the Israelites' separation from other nations.

1. Classification of Clean Animals

Matthew Henry elucidates the importance of these classifications, noting that the division serves both practical and spiritual purposes. The clean animals represent purity and obedience to God's commands:

• Symbol of Holiness: The clean animals are seen as a reflection of the Holy One of Israel. Just as these animals qualify by meeting specific criteria, so too must God's people adhere to His standards of holiness.
• Differentiation from Pagan Practices: Albert Barnes emphasizes that this distinction helped the Israelites know which animals were appropriate to eat and which were not, thus setting them apart from neighboring nations that often indulged in practices contrary to Israel’s holy calling.

2. Chewing the Cud and Parting the Hoof

Adam Clarke provides a detailed examination of the two criteria outlined in the verse:

• Chewing the Cud: This act signifies a process of reflection and reconsideration. Just as animals that chew the cud repeatedly process their food, the Israelites are called to reflect on God's word and meditate on His commands continually.
• Parting the Hoof: This physical characteristic symbolizes a separation or distinction from what is unclean, echoing the spiritual themes of purity and sanctification within the community.

3. Theological Implications

The implications of these dietary laws extend beyond health and safety. They form a part of the covenant relationship:

• Covenant Identity: Observing these laws is integral to the identity of the Israelites as God’s chosen people. By adhering to these restrictions, they affirm their commitment to the covenant. Barnes points out that eating clean animals becomes an act of worship, symbolizing a dedication to God’s will.
• Spiritual Discipline: Engaging in dietary laws fosters discipline among the people. This commitment cultivates a way of life that honors God, similar to the practices of worship and sacrificial offerings which reinforce their reliance on the Lord.

Applications for Today

While the specific dietary laws may not be binding for New Testament believers, the principles behind them remain relevant:

• Holiness and Separation: The call to be distinct and holy remains the same. Believers today are encouraged to separate themselves from influences that are contrary to a life dedicated to God.
• Reflection and Discernment: Just as the Israelites were to reflect on their choices regarding food, modern believers are called to reflect on their choices in every area of life, ensuring that they honor God in thought and action.
• Community and Obedience: Living in obedience to God's commands fosters a sense of community among believers, much as it did for the Israelites. Churches today can consider how shared values, including ethical diets and lifestyle choices, can reflect their commitment to God.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 14:6 exemplifies God's concern for His people's holiness through practical guidelines. The significance attached to clean animals, established by divine ordinance, serves as an enduring reminder of the sacredness of living a life set apart for God. This verse provides rich material for contemplation by pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars as they study the intricacies of the relationship between divine command and human obedience.