The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 246

Yers. 3-20.-The people of God at their own table. However far these minute regulations may seem at first from being appropriate themes for homiletic teaching, a closer study or them may show that they contain an amount of instruction which we could ill afford to lose. There are two principles, not unfrequently noted, that should be brought to bear on this and other chapters which contain regulations that may be entirely unneeded now. One is, that associations of evil may make a custom prejudicial which is in itself harmless; another, that great reasons underlying small actions may lift up action to the height of the reason which prompted it. If, indeed, there should be some of these minute instructions for which we now see no reason, it would be no great tax un one'~ understanding, were we asked to give credit to so great a legislator as Moses for banng had a good reo.son for them, although it may not be in force at the present time. Still, we are not altogether in the dark as to some reasons which might then be of great weight for the observance of the distinction between clean and unclean meats. 'l'rapp suggests as reasons: (1) that they might recognize God's hand in the supply, and God's law in the use, of their meats; (2) that there might be a dis- tinction between them and otherpeoples: (3) that they might be taught to study purity. Dr. Jameson suggests also sanitary reasons. We would venture to include t bese, with others, under seven heads. 1. 'l'he Israelites were the children of the Lord their God, and that special relationship was to show itself in the sober, pure, and devout regulation of the several customs at the family table. 2. There was to be a separation between them and other nations; and a more effective barrier to inter- course could scarcely be found than one which made association at the same table all but impossible. 3. They were to learn that even the common business of eating was to be governed by holy laws. 4. Thus, by minute obedience to precept, they were to be indoctrinated into the principles of holiness. 5. Their social board was to be a standing protest against idolatrous customs; and also, 6. A perpetual rebuke of impurity aP-d of any infringement of sanitary law. Let no one, then, think of this distinction between clean and unclean meats as a trifling one. Nothing is tr~f/ing which helps on the education of souls for God. 7. When, moreover, we glance at the tenth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we cannot but regard tbese regula- tions as also symbolic. This distinction in the lower orders of creation between clean and unclean, ~ymbolized the difference between Israel and the nations from whom they were to dissuciate themselves. The mass of the people may not have comprehended this. They were gradualJy led to understand doctrine by way of obedience to precept, But, it may be asked, "What has all this to do with Christians now?" We reply, "Little or nothing, so far as these special details are concerned, but much every way, so far as we have to do with the principles which underlie these details." 'l'hat so far as details go, the Law is done away, is understood. The symbolic meaning is no lun,,er in force, hence the symbol is needed no longer. From the yoke of these forms we ~re emancipated (cf. Acts x.; 1 Cor. x. 24-31; Rom. xiv.; 1 Tim. iv. 3-5). But still, there is an analogy, of which it would ill become us to lose sight, between the J•usition of Israel then, and the duty of God's Isr.ael now. Supposing now we were asked, " In what way does the gospel teach us the duty of God's people at their own family table?" we might suggest 8iX or seven consecutive lines of thought. I. '!'be Christian is to be, in spirit, as distinct from the world as Israel was from the nations round about. It is not intended by this that, in the ordinary walks of lif~ a Christian may not act with ungodly men ; for in such a case, as Paul teaches, he mus~ need,; go out of the world t,o be free from them ( cf. l Cor. v.). But in his own voluntary association, he is not to be" unequaJly yoked together with unbelievers;" the gospel maDclate is, "Come out from among tbero, and be ye separate, and touch not the UDclean thing." en. XIV, 1-20.] TIIE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 241