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New Defender's Study Bible Notes
14:1 cut yourselves. Various forms of asceticism and masochism are common among pagan religions, ancient and modern, but such practices are not appropriate for Christians. Note Colossians 2:20-23; I Timothy 4:1-5.
14:3 shalt not. See also Leviticus 11 on the dietary and sanitary laws enjoined upon Israel.
14:12 the eagle. The birds forbidden for food as listed in Deuteronomy 14:12-18 are commonly either birds of prey or scavenger birds. They can, therefore, easily be carriers of disease.
14:19 creeping thing that flieth. This proscription applied primarily to insects. However, Leviticus 11:21-22 permitted the eating of “leaping” insects–locusts and beetles.
14:21 mother’s milk. This unusual command is actually given three times (see Exodus 23:19; and 34:26). God desires that His people give due respect to His animal creation even though they are permitted for use as food.
14:22 year by year. Tithes were to be given annually. See notes on Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 26:12.