Clean and Unclean: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Deuteronomy 14

Executive Summary

Deuteronomy 14, a pivotal chapter in Mosaic Law, delves into the vital distinction between clean and unclean foods, emphasizing holiness and separation for God’s chosen people. This dietary code, while literally concerning food, serves as a profound metaphor for spiritual purity and discernment. It instructs Israel not to mourn excessively like pagan nations and outlines permissible and forbidden animals. The chapter culminates in the law of tithing, designating a tenth of agricultural produce for supporting the Levites, the poor, and celebrating feasts before the Lord. We will explore how these ancient laws illuminate core Coptic Orthodox principles of sanctification, stewardship, and communal responsibility, connecting them to our present-day spiritual journey. Examining the Patristic interpretations and historical context reveals enduring wisdom relevant for modern believers seeking a deeper understanding of God’s will and a life consecrated to Him. This chapter underscores the importance of internal purity, reflecting outwards in our actions and choices, including stewardship and generosity.

Deuteronomy 14 provides essential guidance on clean and unclean food and tithing, reflecting God’s desire for a holy and distinct people. This dietary code, while literal, holds deep spiritual significance, teaching us about discernment, obedience, and proper worship. This commentary will delve into the nuances of each verse, exploring its historical context, theological implications, and practical applications for Coptic Orthodox Christians today. We’ll also see how you can connect with others through a website you can build with dohost.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 14:1-2 – A People Set Apart

Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (KJV): Ye are the children of the Lord your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (NKJV): “You are the children of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead. For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

These opening verses establish the foundational principle of Israel’s distinct identity as God’s chosen people. The prohibition against self-mutilation and baldness, common mourning practices in neighboring pagan cultures, underscores the need to maintain a holy and distinct identity. God’s people are called to grieve differently, with hope and faith in the resurrection, rather than despair like those who have no hope. This reflects the Coptic Orthodox understanding of death as a transition to eternal life, not an end.

St. Athanasius of Alexandria writes, “Οὐ γὰρ πενθοῦμεν ὡς οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα, ἀλλὰ ὡς βεβαιούμενοι τὴν ἀνάστασιν. (Contra Gentes 36)” “For we do not mourn as those who have no hope, but as those who are assured of the resurrection.” This passage reflects the heart of the Coptic belief in the victory over death through Christ’s resurrection.

Spiritual Application: Today, we are called to be distinct from the world, not conforming to its values and practices, especially in times of grief and suffering. We are to find comfort and strength in our faith, trusting in God’s promise of eternal life.

Deuteronomy 14:3-21 – Clean and Unclean Animals

Deuteronomy 14:3 (KJV): Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Deuteronomy 14:3 (NKJV): You shall not eat any detestable thing.

Deuteronomy 14:4-20 (KJV/NKJV – summary): These verses list the animals that are permissible to eat (clean) and those that are forbidden (unclean). Clean animals typically include those that chew the cud and have cloven hooves, while unclean animals include pigs, camels, and various birds of prey.

Deuteronomy 14:21 (KJV): Ye shall not eat of any thing 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.

Deuteronomy 14:21 (NKJV): “You shall not eat anything that dies of itself; you may give it to the alien who is within your gates, that he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner; for you are a holy people to the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

The extensive list of clean and unclean animals served several purposes. On a practical level, it may have promoted hygiene and prevented the spread of diseases common in the ancient Near East. On a symbolic level, it represented the separation of Israel from the surrounding nations. The dietary laws were a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their call to holiness.

The prohibition against eating anything that dies of itself reflects a concern for ritual purity and respect for life. Giving it to a foreigner or selling it acknowledges their different standards, but Israel, as God’s holy people, was to maintain a higher standard. The prohibition against seething a kid in its mother’s milk, also found in Exodus 23:19 and 34:26, is a cryptic command, possibly related to pagan fertility rituals or simply demonstrating sensitivity to the natural order. The church father St. Cyril of Alexandria interprets this command as a symbol of avoiding cruelty and showing reverence for creation. (Commentary on Exodus, PG 69, 525) “Οὐ γὰρ δεῖ τὸν πιστὸν ἀνήμερον εἶναι, ἀλλὰ φιλάνθρωπον καὶ συμπαθῆ.” (For the faithful should not be cruel, but loving and compassionate.)

Spiritual Application: While the literal application of these dietary laws may not be binding on Christians today (Mark 7:19, Acts 10:10-16), the underlying principle of discernment remains crucial. We are called to be mindful of what we consume – not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually. We must guard ourselves against influences that can defile our hearts and minds.

Deuteronomy 14:22-29 – The Law of Tithing

Deuteronomy 14:22-27 (KJV/NKJV – summary): These verses command Israel to tithe annually, setting aside a tenth of their agricultural produce. This tithe was to be brought to the designated place of worship and consumed in the presence of the Lord, fostering communal celebration and remembrance of God’s blessings. If the journey to the place of worship was too long, the tithe could be converted into money and then used to purchase food and drink for the feast.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (KJV): At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (NKJV): “At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.”

The law of tithing served as a practical expression of gratitude to God and a means of supporting the Levites, who served in the temple and had no inheritance of their own. The third-year tithe, specifically designated for the poor and marginalized, highlights the importance of social justice and care for the vulnerable within the community. This demonstrates God’s concern for the well-being of all, not just the prosperous.

Spiritual Application: Tithing is a principle that transcends the Old Testament and continues to be relevant for Christians today. It is an act of worship that acknowledges God as the source of all our blessings. While the specific method of tithing may vary, the underlying principle of generous giving to support the church and the needy remains essential. This principle extends to not only money, but also time and talents. Consider establishing a website for your business, ministry, or non-profit with dohost to help reach a broader audience.

Reflections on Cleanliness and Holiness

Deuteronomy 14 presents us with a profound understanding of how holiness is expressed in tangible ways. Here are some key reflections:

• ✨ Holiness is a Journey: It’s not just about following rules but cultivating a heart that desires to please God.
• 🕊️ Discernment is Key: Distinguishing between what is clean and unclean requires spiritual maturity and seeking God’s guidance.
• 📖 Stewardship Matters: Tithing teaches us to be responsible stewards of God’s resources, prioritizing His kingdom and caring for others.
• 💡 Community is Essential: The tithing system fostered community by supporting the Levites and caring for the poor.
• 📜 Symbolism and Substance: The dietary laws, though perhaps not literally binding today, symbolize the need for internal purity.
• 🤝 Gratitude Leads to Generosity: Tithing is an act of thankfulness for God’s provisions.

FAQ ❓

Q: Are Christians obligated to follow the Old Testament dietary laws?
A: No. The New Testament clarifies that these laws were primarily for the Israelites under the Old Covenant. Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and the Apostle Paul emphasized that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink (Romans 14:17).

Q: What is the spiritual significance of tithing for Christians today?
A: Tithing is a principle of giving a portion of our income to God’s work as an act of worship and gratitude. While the specific percentage may vary, the concept of generous giving to support the church, missions, and those in need remains a vital part of Christian stewardship.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 14 relate to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of holiness?
A: Deuteronomy 14 underscores the importance of being set apart for God, both internally and externally. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the pursuit of holiness through prayer, fasting, sacraments, and acts of charity, reflecting a similar commitment to living a life pleasing to God.

Q: What practical lessons can we draw from the prohibitions against pagan mourning practices?
A: The prohibitions against excessive mourning remind us to grieve with hope, trusting in God’s promise of eternal life. As Christians, we should find comfort and strength in our faith, even in times of sorrow, and not succumb to despair like those who have no hope.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 14 presents a holistic vision of a life consecrated to God. From dietary laws to tithing practices, it emphasizes the importance of both inward purity and outward obedience. While the specific regulations may not directly apply to Christians today, the underlying principles of discernment, stewardship, and communal responsibility remain timeless. By reflecting on these principles, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s will and strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him. The chapter reminds us that true holiness is not merely about following a set of rules, but about cultivating a heart that is devoted to God and compassionate toward others, ensuring that our actions reflect the inner transformation that the Holy Spirit brings about. By embracing the principles of clean and unclean food and tithing, we can live lives that are truly set apart for God.

Tags

Deuteronomy, Clean and Unclean, Tithing, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Old Testament, Holiness, Stewardship, Discernment, Generosity

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Explore Deuteronomy 14 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Uncover the spiritual meaning of clean and unclean food and tithing, and learn how to apply these ancient teachings to your life today. Live a distinct life.