The vulture after his kind - The word דאה daah is improperly translated vulture Leviticus 11:14 , and means a kite or glede. The word דיה daiyah in this verse is not only different from that in Leviticus, but means also a different animal, properly enough translated vulture. See the note on Leviticus 11:14 . read more
EXPOSITION HEATHEN CUSTOMS OF MOURNING TO BE AVOIDED . NO ABOMINABLE THING TO BE EATEN . MEATS CLEAN AND UNCLEAN . TITHES . Israel, as the people of God, chosen by him to be his children by adoption, must not only abstain from idolatry, but also avoid all heathenish usages and practices, such as those connected with mourning for the dead, and those pertaining to the use of food. read more
A holy people will eat sanctified things. The regulation of the diet of the children of Israel was most important in view of their remaining a "peculiar people" unto God. In no way half so effectual could they, as a nation, be kept distinct from other nations, with whom it was undesirable on religious grounds that they should associate. By interdicting some of the animals used by surrounding and heathen nations, the Lord, as far as possible, prevented Israel's association with them. To... read more
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 of them may show that they contain an amount of instruction which we could ill afford to lose. There are two principles, not infrequently 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... read more
Clean and unclean. The distinction of clean and unclean appears to have rested— I. ON NATURAL GROUNDS . It is based to some extent on natural preferences and repugnances—an index, often, to deeper correlations. We instinctively recognize certain creatures to be unfit for food. The Law of Moses drew the line practically where men's unguided instincts have always drawn it. A lesson of respect for natural order . In diet, as in higher matters, we do well to follow Nature's... read more
Discrimination in meats. The prohibition of some kinds of food proceeds upon the principle that it is not wise to gratify every appetite. There must be denial somewhere. If every desire and lust of the body be indulged, injury will ensue to the nobler capacities of the soul. Pruning of the wild growths of carnal desire is essential to real fruitfulness. Divine restraints are acts of genuine kindness. Discrimination in animal food was based on true wisdom. I. BECAUSE IT WAS A ... read more
The regulations here concerning food, and the animals the use of which is forbidden, are substantially the same as in Leviticus 2:1-16 . There are, however, some differences between the two accounts which may be noticed. 1. In Deuteronomy, the mammals which may be used for food are severally specified as well as described by the general characteristic of the class; in Leviticus, only the latter description is given. 2. In the list of fowls which may not be eaten, the raah (glade)... read more
The hart ; ayyal ( אַיָּל ), probably the fallow deer , or deer generally. The roebuck; tsebi ( צְבִי ), the gazelle ( Gazella Arabica ). The fallow deer ; yachmur ( יחְמוּר ), the roebuck. The wild goat ; akko ( אַקּוֹ ), the ibex. The pygarg ; dishon ( דִישׁוֹן ), some kind of antelope, probably the Gazella Dorcas . The wild ox ; the'o ( תְאוֹ ), probably the bubale , or wild cow of the Arabs ( Alcephalus bubalis ), a... read more
The glede ; ra'ah ( רָאָה ). This word occurs only here, and it is supposed by some that, by an error of the copyist, substituting ר for ד , it has come instead of דָאָה , as used in Le Deuteronomy 11:14 . But it is more probable, as above suggested, that the da'ah of Leviticus is represented by the dayyah of Deuteronomy, and that consequently the reading ra'ah should be re-rained. This word, derived from רָאָה , to see, to look, would appropriately designate a bird... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 14:5
The hart - איל aiyal , the deer, according to Dr. Shaw: see the note on Deuteronomy 12:15 . The roebuck - צבי tsebi , generally supposed to be the antelope, belonging to the fifth order Pecora, genus Mammalia, and species 38. It has round twisted spiral horns, hairy tufts on the knees, browses on tender shoots, lives in hilly countries, is fond of climbing rocks, and is remarkable for its beautiful black eyes. The flesh is good and well flavoured. The fallow deer - יחמור ... read more