(The Lord speaking is red text)
[Of] all clean birds ye shall eat.
"You may eat any clean bird;
You may eat any clean bird,
Of all clean birds ye may eat.
Of all clean{H2889} birds{H6833} ye shall eat{H398}.
Deuteronomy 14:11 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines dietary laws for the Israelites. The verse specifically addresses the consumption of clean or permissible birds, which are fit for eating according to Mosaic Law.
**Themes:**
1. **Ritual Purity:** The distinction between clean and unclean animals is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity in the religious life of the Israelites.
2. **Holiness:** By following these dietary regulations, the Israelites were to set themselves apart, reflecting their identity as a holy nation chosen by God.
3. **Obedience:** The dietary laws served as a test of obedience to God's commandments, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
4. **Health and Ethics:** Some scholars suggest that these dietary restrictions may have also had practical implications for health and ethical considerations regarding the treatment of animals.
**Historical Context:**
Deuteronomy is presented as a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites as they are encamped on the plains of Moab, ready to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The book is set just before the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River and is a restatement of the law given to their parents at Mount Sinai/Horeb, with additional commentary and application for the new generation.
The dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14 reflect the broader Ancient Near Eastern context where many cultures had regulations about food, often linked to religious identity and practice. These laws would have served to distinguish the Israelites from their pagan neighbors and reinforce their commitment to the one true God, Yahweh, as they prepared to live in a land with diverse religious practices.
In summary, Deuteronomy 14:11 is part of a section that establishes guidelines for the consumption of birds, emphasizing the theme of ritual purity and holiness within the covenant community of Israel, and reflecting the historical context of the Israelites' preparation to inhabit the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)