(The Lord speaking is red text)
These [are] the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,
The animals which you may eat are: ox, sheep, goat,
These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat,
These are the beasts which ye may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,
These are the beasts{H929} which ye shall eat{H398}: the ox{H7794}, the sheep{H7716}{H3775}, and the goat{H5795},
Deuteronomy 14:4 is part of a section in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines dietary laws for the Israelites. The verse specifically lists animals that are considered clean and thus permissible for the Israelites to eat: oxen (cattle), sheep, and goats. These animals are cloven-hoofed and chew the cud, which are the criteria for clean animals according to the dietary laws given in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
**Themes:**
1. **Holiness and Purity:** The dietary laws emphasize the theme of holiness, setting the Israelites apart from other nations and reminding them of their distinct identity as God's chosen people.
2. **Obedience:** Following these dietary regulations is an act of obedience to God's commandments, reinforcing the importance of loyalty to God's laws.
3. **Health and Well-being:** Some scholars suggest that these dietary laws may have had health benefits, as they avoided certain diseases associated with the consumption of animals that were not fit for eating.
**Historical Context:**
- **Mosaic Law:** Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains his speeches to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the wilderness.
- **Preparation for the Promised Land:** As the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic to a sedentary agricultural lifestyle in Canaan, these laws would have helped them establish a society that was distinct in its practices and worship.
- **Cultural Distinction:** The dietary laws served to distinguish the Israelites from their pagan neighbors, whose religious practices included eating certain animals that the Israelites were forbidden to consume.
In summary, Deuteronomy 14:4 reflects the broader themes of holiness, obedience, and cultural distinction within the context of Mosaic Law, as the Israelites were about to establish themselves in the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)