Topical Bible: Milk: Young Animals not to be Seethed in That of the Mother

◄ Milk: Young Animals not to be Seethed in That of the Mother ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical injunction against boiling a young animal in its mother's milk is a command found in the Old Testament, specifically within the Mosaic Law. This directive is mentioned three times in the Pentateuch: Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26, and Deuteronomy 14:21. Each occurrence is situated within a broader context of laws and instructions given to the Israelites.

Scriptural References:

1. Exodus 23:19 : "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk."

2. Exodus 34:26 : "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk."

3. Deuteronomy 14:21 : "You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people to the LORD your God. You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk."

Interpretation and Significance:

The prohibition against boiling a young animal in its mother's milk is often understood as a call to maintain a sense of compassion and respect for the natural order. The act of cooking a young goat in its mother's milk is seen as a symbol of insensitivity and a violation of the nurturing relationship between a mother and her offspring. This commandment underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring the sanctity of life and the natural bonds within creation.

From a theological perspective, this law is part of the broader holiness code that sets the Israelites apart as a people dedicated to God. It serves as a reminder of their distinct identity and their call to live in a manner that reflects God's character and commandments. The repetition of this law in different contexts highlights its importance within the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, some scholars suggest that this prohibition may have been a reaction against pagan rituals or practices that involved cooking a young animal in its mother's milk. By forbidding this practice, the Israelites were to distinguish themselves from surrounding nations and their religious customs.

Application in Jewish Tradition:

In Jewish tradition, this commandment has been interpreted as part of the dietary laws known as kashrut. It has led to the broader prohibition against mixing meat and dairy products, a practice that is strictly observed in kosher dietary laws. This interpretation extends the principle of separation and holiness into daily life, influencing the way food is prepared and consumed.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The command not to boil a young animal in its mother's milk can be seen as an ethical teaching that encourages sensitivity and respect for the created order. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and the avoidance of cruelty, even in the preparation of food. This principle can be applied to broader ethical considerations in how humans interact with animals and the environment.

In summary, the biblical command not to seethe a young animal in its mother's milk is a multifaceted directive that encompasses theological, cultural, and ethical dimensions. It reflects the call to holiness, compassion, and distinctiveness that characterizes the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 23:19
The first of the first fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... them to "boil a kid in the milk of its ... be a good omen to find the mother sitting
on her young. ... Because animals of different species do not easily breed, unless ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Monos
... he has poultry, kids, and goats' milk more than ... This quantity of fat in frugivorous
animals, not exposed to the ... The old birds carry these seeds to their young. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

What did Moses Write?
... of the Lord; (d) that the young kid shall not be seethed in its mother's milk.[Footnote:
Introduction ... also laws requiring that all the animals killed for ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm