Deuteronomy Chapter 14

Deuteronomy 14:1 (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.”

Moses begins this section by reminding Israel of their identity: they belong to the LORD as His covenant children. Because of that relationship, they are commanded not to imitate the mourning customs of the pagan nations around them. The nations practiced self-mutilation and shaving the front of the head as part of funeral rites, believing these extreme acts showed devotion to the dead or appeased the spirits. The LORD forbade His people from adopting these practices because death was not to be viewed through the hopeless lens of pagans. Israel was to grieve, but not like those who had no covenant, no revelation, and no promise of resurrection.

Israel’s identity as God’s children demanded holiness in every area of life, even in how they mourned. Their bodies belonged to God, not to be defaced or cut in pagan sorrow. This prohibition formed part of a larger pattern throughout Deuteronomy: God’s people must be visibly distinct from surrounding nations in worship, lifestyle, and even in their response to death. Pagan mourning rituals were rooted in fear, superstition, and hopelessness, while Israel was to rest in the character of God who has power over life and death.

This principle is echoed for New Testament believers. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Christians still grieve, but not in despair. Our sorrow is tempered by the certainty of resurrection through Jesus Christ. We do not mutilate the body, nor treat death as a force to be appeased, because Christ has already conquered death.

This verse also reinforces the biblical understanding of the body. Since God created the body and intends to raise it, it is not to be disfigured in idolatrous rituals. Believers, like Israel, must reject the world’s hopeless ways, remembering they are the children of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 14:2 (KJV)
“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.”

Moses explains the reason behind Israel’s separation from pagan practices: their identity. They are a people set apart by God Himself. The word holy means “set apart,” “distinct,” or “separate.” Israel was not merely morally upright, but uniquely belonging to the LORD in covenant relationship. Their separation was not rooted in self-righteousness, but in divine calling. Because they were holy to the LORD, their lifestyle, worship, and even mourning practices had to reflect that holiness.

God also declares that He has chosen them to be “a peculiar people unto himself,” meaning His treasured possession. Israel did not belong to themselves or to the world; they belonged to God. This language reflects ownership, affection, and purpose. Their value was not inherent but bestowed by God’s sovereign love and grace. As Exodus 19:5 says, “ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.”

This identity brought privilege, but also responsibility. Moses states that God placed Israel “above all the nations that are upon the earth.” This was not a call to arrogance, but to obedience and faithful representation of God’s character. Because they were God’s treasure, they were to live differently than the pagan nations. Their conduct, worship, morals, and even their national laws were to reflect that they belonged to the LORD.

This truth carries forward into the New Testament. Believers in Christ are likewise called holy, chosen, and treasured by God. First Peter 2:9 declares, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” In Christ we are His inheritance, as Ephesians 1:18 says, “that ye may know… the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” Just as Israel’s identity demanded holy living, our identity in Christ obligates us to walk in obedience, purity, and separation from the world’s corruption.

To be God’s special treasure means believers do not live like the world because they no longer belong to the world. Holiness is not merely avoidance of evil, but complete devotion to God because He has set His love upon us.

Deuteronomy 14:3–21 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, the hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois. And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat. Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you. And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase. These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat: And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you. Of all clean birds ye shall eat. But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, and the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind, and every raven after his kind, and the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, the little owl, and the great owl, and the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant, and the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten. But of all clean fowls ye may eat. 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.”

Moses now expands on what it means to be a holy nation separated unto the LORD. Separation extends even to the daily act of eating. The Lord establishes dietary boundaries not only for health but to teach spiritual truths, reinforce holiness, and prevent fellowship with idolatrous nations.

1. Permitted Land Animals (verses 4–6)
Israel could eat animals that met two clear criteria: they must part the hoof and chew the cud. God lists examples such as the ox, sheep, goat, deer, gazelle, wild goat, and others. These animals were generally gentle, herbivorous, and symbolized purity and dependence. The clear standard prevented confusion and human manipulation. God gave simple outward signs to teach inward holiness.

2. Forbidden Land Animals (verses 7–8)
Animals that partially fit the criteria were forbidden. The camel, hare, and coney (rock hyrax) chew the cud but do not have divided hooves. Swine divide the hoof but do not chew the cud. Partial obedience is still disobedience. These animals were labeled unclean unto you. Israel was not even to touch their carcasses, reinforcing separation from defilement.

3. Permitted and Forbidden Sea Creatures (verses 9–10)
The test for aquatic animals is equally simple: fins and scales. Any creature lacking either—such as shellfish, catfish, or eels—was unclean. This rule protected Israel from disease but also symbolized discernment. The sea, often representing chaos and the Gentile world, was not to be engaged without clear boundaries.

4. Clean and Unclean Birds (verses 11–19)
All clean birds could be eaten, but God lists specific birds considered unclean—eagle, vulture, falcon, ravens, owls, seagulls, hawks, storks, herons, and bats. These creatures were either predators or scavengers, feeding on flesh and blood or carrion. God’s people were not to consume creatures associated with death, violence, or corruption.

5. Flying Creeping Things (verse 19)
Every flying insect or creeping thing was unclean unless specified elsewhere (as in Leviticus 11: certain locusts, grasshoppers, and beetles were permitted). Most insects carried disease or fed on decay. Again, separation from filth and death is emphasized.

6. Animals That Die Naturally (verse 21a)
Israel was forbidden to eat animals that died of themselves. Such animals had not been properly bled. The life is in the blood, as Leviticus 17:11 declares, “for the life of the flesh is in the blood.” Blood belonged to God alone. The animal could be given to a foreigner or sold to an alien, but not eaten by one who belonged to the LORD.

7. Do Not Boil a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk (verse 21b)
This final command addresses a pagan fertility ritual practiced among Canaanites. Boiling a kid in its mother’s milk symbolized perversion of life—mixing life-giving milk with death. God’s people were forbidden from copying idolatrous customs. This verse reinforced three themes: respect for life, rejection of paganism, and holiness in everyday choices.

Spiritual Purpose of the Dietary Law

1. Separation from the Nations – God’s people could not easily sit at a table with pagans, preventing compromise through casual fellowship.

2. Symbolism of Holiness – Clean animals represented purity, obedience, and simplicity. Unclean animals reflected corruption, predatory nature, or uncleanness.

3. Health and Preservation – Many unclean animals carry disease or toxins; these laws preserved Israel physically.

4. Respect for Life and Blood – Blood belonged to God, as it symbolized life. The people were reminded continually of the cost of sin and the sacredness of life.

Deuteronomy 14:22–23 (KJV)
“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.”

God now gives instruction concerning the tithe, the giving of one-tenth of all agricultural increase and livestock. The command begins with emphasis: “Thou shalt truly tithe,” meaning Israel was not to approximate or estimate their giving. It was to be exact, sincere, and complete. Partial obedience would not be acceptable. The tithe was calculated from the increase of their fields—what the land yielded year by year. This indicates that the tithe was based on income or production, not total assets. Seed grain needed for planting was not included. God was not interested in crushing His people financially, but in teaching them stewardship, gratitude, and dependence on Him for provision.

The tithe was to be taken to “the place which he shall choose to place his name there,” meaning the central place of worship—eventually Jerusalem. There, the Israelite and his family would eat a portion of the tithe before the LORD in a sacred meal of fellowship. This was not merely taxation. It was worship. It was eating in the presence of God, recognizing that all blessings come from His hand. The rest of the tithe was given to the priests and Levites, who had no land inheritance and depended on the tithes for their livelihood.

This practice taught Israel to “fear the LORD thy God always.” Tithing was not just about supporting religious structure—it was a continual lesson in reverence, submission, and putting God first. When a man gave the first and best of his increase, he confessed with his actions that God was the true Provider, not his skill, effort, or land. It shaped the heart to trust and obey. A man who held tightly to his wealth doubted God’s faithfulness; a man who gave joyfully demonstrated faith.

Though Christians today are not under the Mosaic law, the principle remains. God still calls His people to give first to Him, cheerfully and reverently. Giving is an act of worship, not mere charity. It honors the truth that everything belongs to God first.

Deuteronomy 14:24–27 (KJV)
“And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.”

God, in His wisdom and grace, made provision for those Israelites who lived far from the tabernacle or later the temple. If the journey was too long to transport the tithe—whether grain, wine, oil, or livestock—then the Israelite was commanded to “turn it into money.” This meant he could sell his tithe locally, bind the money securely, and carry it to the place where the LORD put His name. Once there, he was to use that money to purchase oxen, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything necessary to present the tithe and participate in the covenant meal before the LORD. This shows that God’s laws were not burdensome nor unreasonable. He expected obedience, but He also made obedience attainable.

Once the worshipper arrived, he and his household were to “eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice.” Tithing was not to be a grievous duty; it was an act of worship, celebration, and fellowship with God. It reminded Israel that their strength, their increase, and their joy came from Him. Worship was never meant to be cold or formal—it involved joy, family, and gratitude.

However, the command ends with a solemn reminder: “And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.” The Levites were set apart to serve God and had no land allotment. Their livelihood came from the tithes and offerings of the people. Therefore, while celebrating before the LORD, the Israelites were never to neglect the Levites. True worship includes generosity toward those who serve God and those who depend upon Him for their support.

This passage reveals a balance of responsibility and mercy. God expected obedience, but He also made allowances for practical limitations. He provided a system that protected worship, enabled joy, and ensured the needs of His servants were met.

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.”

God gives instructions regarding what is often called the “third-year tithe.” Every third year, instead of bringing the tithe to the sanctuary in Jerusalem, the Israelites were commanded to store it within their own gates—that is, in their towns and local communities. This tithe was still God’s portion, but its purpose was broader. It was to provide for three specific groups: the Levites (who had no inheritance of land), the stranger or foreigner, and the fatherless and the widow. These groups were vulnerable and dependent on the covenant faithfulness and generosity of God’s people.

This was not a separate or additional tithe beyond the normal requirement. Rather, it was the same tithe redirected every third year to care for the poor and to ensure local support for the Levites. God’s concern for social righteousness, community responsibility, and compassion is seen clearly in this law. Israel’s holiness was not only expressed in worship and sacrifice, but also in generosity and justice. The tithe became a visible demonstration that God’s people must reflect His character—He is merciful, therefore they must be merciful.

The purpose of this command is stated: “that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand.” Obedience in giving invites God’s blessing. God does not bless greed or neglect of the poor, but He honors those who honor Him with their substance. A giving heart is a heart that trusts God, and such trust is never forgotten by Him.

The principle carries into the New Testament. Although tithing is not commanded under the New Covenant, Scripture still teaches that giving should be purposeful, proportionate, cheerful, and generous. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that giving should be done regularly and in accordance with how God has prospered a believer. Second Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “God loveth a cheerful giver.” Furthermore, Jesus affirmed the spirit of tithing when done from a sincere heart, as in Luke 11:42.

Even before the Law of Moses, tithing existed. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:5–9), demonstrating that the principle is rooted not in law but in worship, gratitude, and reverence for God. Therefore, giving is not primarily about percentages—it is about the heart. The wrong question is, “How little can I give and still please God?” The right question is, “How can I honor God with all that He has given me?” For some, ten percent is merely the starting line, not the finish. For others just growing in faith, even a smaller percentage can be a great step of obedience.

This section teaches that financial faithfulness is spiritual faithfulness. God sees our stewardship of resources as a reflection of our trust in Him. As Jesus said in Luke 16:11, “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”