Rules, rules, rules!
Deuteronomy is full of them!
Even including what the Jewish people were allowed to eat!
Basically their diet was as follows: Deuteronomy 14:6
“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.” Further details, many in fact, are given in the context, but the verse you’ve just read sums everything well.
And concerning seafood, fish? “And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.” Quoting Deuteronomy 14:9.
Are these arbitrary guidelines?
Without reason or logic?
No!
I believe God never does anything capriciously, haphazardly.
No doubt dozens of good reasons, both spiritually and physically, lie behind the many prohibitions (or inclusions) God gave Israel, even concerning her diet.
Two quick thoughts. today …
“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.”
Feet that “part the hoof” implies that the animal will NOT mire in the mud, sink into the turf, as easily as other animals with un-parted hoofs! In other words, they are not as much “of this world!” More fleet-footed, less involved, ready to leave at a moment’s notice!
Put that kind of meat into your bodies!
Even we as Christians are not to be “of this world!” Not deeply embedded into its systems and filth and philosophies (the parted hoofs idea)!
And “chewing the cud?”
Not gobbling one’s meat down whole!
Eating more slowly, deliberately, even re-digesting much of what one has consumed!
This is basically the word picture the concept of “meditation” presents to our minds! As in “meditating on God’s Word!”
Wow!
Separated from the World!
And … Deeply enjoying the Word of God!
Then the fish … “And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.”
I see similar principles at work here.
No fins? Then much less able to “guide” oneself through the “waters” (some of them very trying, difficult) of life! These creatures (with fins) do not simply “slither” along, serpent-like!
And scales?
Again, a simple “barrier” God has given certain sea-life to help them maintain some “separation” from their (at times noxious) environment!
Guidance and cleanliness!
Not a bad idea for fish … or Believers in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Some of you may think I’m carry this typology (if that’s what it is) too far.
I’d love to hear your opinions.
But if I am anywhere near right … the food I put into my mouth can (in a way) preach to me fresh sermons about the very ways of God!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Of course I am NOT saying that today (in the dispensation of God’s amazing Grace) we should all abide by Jewish dietary law. But I am saying that God had good reasons for mandating them. And if you had bacon for breakfast today … I assure you no sin was committed. Unless you ate too much!