Deuteronomy 14:4
These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,
Original Language Analysis
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה
These are the beasts
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה
These are the beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Cattle, sheep, and goats formed the core of Israel's agricultural economy. These animals provided meat, milk, leather, and wool while also serving sacrificial purposes. Their clean status made them doubly valuable.
The distinction between clean and unclean animals predates Mosaic law (Genesis 7:2), suggesting these categories reflect creation order principles that God formalizes in the covenant code.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's regulation of diet teach about His comprehensive lordship over life?
- How did connection between clean food and acceptable sacrifice shape Israel's worldview?
- Why might God have chosen these particular animals as clean while excluding others?
- What does God's provision of clean animals for food reveal about His care for His people?
- How should awareness that no sphere of life is too mundane for God shape Christian living?
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Analysis & Commentary
These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat. God specifies which animals are ceremonially clean for consumption. These domesticated animals represent the staples of Israelite diet and economy - common livestock that served both for food and sacrifice.
That God details which creatures may be eaten demonstrates divine concern for every aspect of life. No sphere is too mundane for God's governance - He regulates what enters His people's bodies, shaping their daily routines according to His will.
These animals (ox, sheep, goat) were also used in sacrificial system, creating connection between acceptable food and acceptable worship. What could be offered to God could be eaten; what was unfit for altar was unfit for table. This linked daily eating with covenantal worship.
The repetition of ye shall eat indicates permission and provision. God does not merely prohibit but also provides - He gives good things for His people's nourishment while establishing boundaries for their holiness.