Deuteronomy 14:21

You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk.

Study Bible

You are not to eat any carcass
The Hebrew word for "carcass" is "נְבֵלָה" (nevelah), which refers to an animal that has died of natural causes or has not been slaughtered according to the kosher laws. This prohibition underscores the importance of ritual purity and the distinctiveness of the Israelites as God's chosen people. The commandment reflects a broader principle of holiness and separation from practices that could defile the community.

you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates
The term "foreigner" here is "גֵּר" (ger), which refers to a non-Israelite living among the Israelites. This provision shows a level of compassion and practical consideration for those who do not share the same covenantal obligations. It highlights the inclusivity of the community while maintaining the distinctiveness of Israel's dietary laws.

and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner
This phrase indicates a pragmatic approach to the use of resources. While the Israelites are bound by specific dietary restrictions, they are allowed to engage in commerce with those outside their covenant community. This reflects an understanding of economic interactions and the reality of living among diverse peoples.

For you are a holy people to the LORD your God
The Hebrew word for "holy" is "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh), meaning set apart or consecrated. This phrase is a reminder of the Israelites' unique relationship with God, who has called them to live according to His statutes. Their holiness is not just a matter of ritual but a reflection of their identity and mission as God's people.

You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk
This command is repeated elsewhere in the Torah and has been traditionally understood as a prohibition against mixing meat and dairy. The practice may have been associated with pagan rituals, and its prohibition serves to further distinguish Israelite worship and lifestyle from surrounding nations. It emphasizes the principle of separation and purity in all aspects of life, reinforcing the call to holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and commandments were given.

2. Foreigners
Non-Israelites residing among the Israelites, who were subject to different regulations.

3. Moses
The leader and prophet who delivered God's laws to the Israelites.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who set apart the Israelites as His holy people.

5. Canaan
The land where these laws were to be observed, as the Israelites were preparing to enter it.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Distinctiveness
The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God. This distinctiveness was reflected in their dietary laws, which served as a daily reminder of their unique relationship with God.

Compassion and Provision
While the Israelites were prohibited from eating certain foods, they were allowed to give or sell them to foreigners. This reflects a balance between maintaining holiness and showing compassion to others.

Symbolism and Separation
The prohibition against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk may symbolize the importance of maintaining clear boundaries and not mixing what God intended to be separate.

Cultural and Spiritual Identity
The dietary laws helped to preserve the cultural and spiritual identity of the Israelites, reminding them of their covenant with God.

Application for Believers Today
While Christians are not bound by Old Testament dietary laws, the principles of holiness, compassion, and distinctiveness remain relevant. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects their identity in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to not eat any carcass reflect the concept of holiness for the Israelites, and how can we apply the principle of holiness in our daily lives today?

2. In what ways does the allowance to give or sell the carcass to foreigners demonstrate God's compassion and provision, and how can we show compassion to those around us?

3. What might be the significance of the prohibition against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk, and how can we apply the principle of maintaining clear boundaries in our spiritual lives?

4. How do the dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:21 connect to the broader theme of identity and distinctiveness for the Israelites, and how can Christians today maintain their identity in Christ in a diverse world?

5. Considering the New Testament teachings, how do we reconcile the Old Testament dietary laws with the freedom found in Christ, and what lessons can we learn about cultural and spiritual identity from this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
This chapter provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, reinforcing the dietary laws given to the Israelites.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions for Christians and the inclusion of Gentiles.

1 Peter 1:16
This verse echoes the call to holiness, reminding believers to be holy as God is holy, similar to the call in Deuteronomy.

Exodus 23:19
This verse also mentions the prohibition against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk, emphasizing the importance of distinctiveness in worship and daily life.