Deuteronomy 14 begins with a strong affirmation of Israel’s unique identity before God:
“You are the children of the LORD your God… For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” (Deuteronomy 14:1-2, New International Version)
Consider carefully what it means to be God’s “holy” people. The Hebrew term for holy, qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ), carries the idea of separation or distinctness—set apart for a special purpose. While outwardly, Israel’s holiness was signified through specific lifestyle and dietary practices, inwardly it spoke of an intimate belonging to God.
This calling is echoed in 1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version):
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”
We too, as believers under the New Covenant through Christ, are called to live as holy people—set apart spiritually, morally, and relationally, to God alone.
The bulk of Deuteronomy 14 deals with dietary laws, outlining clean and unclean animals. Western readers often find this section puzzling or relegated to an outdated cultural setting without clear meaning for today. However, these dietary rules served several profound purposes:
Physical Well-being: Modern studies have demonstrated that many animals declared “unclean” carried risk of disease in ancient times. God, as the wise and compassionate provider, laid these laws down partly to protect His people’s health—in obedience, they experienced practical, historical benefits.
Spiritual Discipline and Daily Devotion: For ancient Israelites, each meal was an opportunity to practice obedience and spiritual mindfulness. Through each dietary choice, they reaffirmed their commitment to God’s covenant, reminding themselves daily of their holy identity.
Distinctive Witness Among Nations: Their dietary laws set Israel apart culturally and socially, marking them out among neighboring peoples. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, communal eating defined relationships and allegiances. By avoiding certain foods, Israel expressed visible loyalty to Yahweh and separation from idolatrous influences.
The famous theologian John Calvin viewed these food laws as teaching tools—representative symbols pointing Israel to moral discernment, purity of heart, and avoidance of idolatrous influence.
As New Testament believers, we recognize that Christ himself declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19, New International Version), and the Apostle Paul confirms freedom from dietary restrictions for believers (Colossians 2:16, New International Version). Yet the underlying principle remains vital—we too practice discernment, obedience, and holiness through our daily lifestyle choices. Consider honestly: are there daily practices through which God’s call to holiness becomes evident in your life?
At the chapter’s opening, we see an unusual prohibition against cutting oneself or shaving the forehead because of mourning (Deut. 14:1). These were common pagan mourning customs practiced by Canaanite neighbors. God’s people were commanded to avoid such customs as he wanted to establish a sharp distinction between worship of Yahweh and pagan rituals. Archaeological evidence confirms self-cutting and marking as mourning practices among ancient cultures in the Near East. God’s intention was clear: Israel was not to grieve without hope, nor conform blindly to worldly habits. This has resonance for us today; do our practices, even in sorrow or grief, reflect hope and faith in our redeeming God, or do we mimic blindly the despairing practices of the culture around us?
The concluding verses (Deut. 14:22-29) directly instruct Israel regarding tithes. This portion reveals how the ancient Israelites celebrated God’s provision in communal feasts before Him. It was not merely duty or obligation; it was heartfelt worship and joyful gratitude.
God reminded Israel to care provisionally for the Levites, resident foreigners, orphans, and widows. Biblical theology repeatedly emphasizes that true worship is expressed through mercy, generosity, and justice—practical expressions of holy people corresponding to the Lord’s compassionate nature (cf. James 1:27; Micah 6:8). Do we joyfully and genuinely reflect God’s compassionate heart through generous giving?
Reflect today on these truths through singing the hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be (Consecrated, Lord, to Thee)” by Frances R. Havergal, which beautifully expresses the surrender and dedication of our entire being to God.
Almighty Father, we thank You that You have chosen us, set us apart, and bought us at the price of Your Son’s precious blood. Help us live each day mindful of Your holiness and kindness. Teach us discernment, compassion, and joyful obedience, so that our lives reflect clearly Your character and covenant love to a watching world. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on Deuteronomy Chapter 14