Moses Deals With Diet

Deuteronomy 14:1–29
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In this chapter Moses deals with foods, talking about those that were acceptable and those which were forbidden for Israel to eat. When it comes to animals, they are divided into three classes: land (vv. 4-8), water (vv. 9-10), and air (vv. 11-20. He lists the animals that they should not eat.

An Israelite diet served as a testimony of his relationship to the Lord, to Gentiles who might be present. These dietarylaws are no longer applicable because Jesus declared that all foods should be considered clean (Mark 7:14-23; Acts 10:9-23). However, they should still be symbolic to the Christian, who should not feed upon the filth of this world, but upon Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.

Moses continues to discuss eating habits but applied his remarks specifically to the feasts unto the Lord (vv. 22-29). Through this he emphasized the absolute necessity for the Israelites to tithe.  Again, tithing is not commanded in the New Testament. Instead, we are told to give generously (II Corinthians 9:6-9). As Israel generously gave to the poor, they were promised that the Lord would bless and the same is true in our giving today.

Application

I can’t restrict holiness to only the spiritual side of life. I must be holy in the everyday practical part of life as well. Health practices, all provide opportunities to put holy living into daily living.