Deuteronomy 14
The children of the Lord must not be like the people of the world. The basic meaning of the Hebrew word translated “holy” is “to be different.” God’s people are different.
Although the Jewish dietary code does not apply to God’s people today (1 Tim. 4:1–5), the spiritual principle remains: we must be a separated and obedient people. The lists of “clean” and “unclean” foods were reminders that the people must learn to distinguish between what God accepts and what He rejects. Review
We should glorify God in what we receive and also in what we give (vv. 22–29). A tithe was 10 percent of the produce, which could be used as a sacrifice for joyful feasting before the Lord. A special tithe every third year supported the Levites and helped the poor.
In our receiving and in our giving, we should glorify God and joyfully serve Him. (See 1 Cor. 10:31.)