Friday - Deuteronomy 14 - Does God Prefer the Uni-brow?

Of all of the various pieces of instruction that are included in the Bible, maybe the most unusual one of all is this one: "Don't shave the hair between your eyes" (Deuteronomy 14:1). What was the purpose behind this rule and others (which many people would regard today as trivial)? Was God opposed to personal grooming? And, was God really opposed to jewelry, tattoos and body piercings (Leviticus 19:28)?  Why did God forbid the Jews from eating ham and catfish?  There are several primary reasons why someone might ask these kinds of questions.

The most upright reason for asking why these rules were in place would be because of genuine holy curiosity; the desire to know the mind of God... even in matters of seemingly minor importance. Some might want to know why these rules existed because the rules seem so strange in the "light" of our modern culture. Sadly, others inquire cynically with a desire to ridicule and mock God, His Word and His people.

Still, we shouldn't gloss over obscure rules. There isn't room to address every nuance in this entry, but let's just look at the example that we started with. Deuteronomy 14:1 says that the Jews were not to "cut themselves or shave the middle of their eyebrows FOR THE DEAD." Even without any knowledge of the manners and customs of the people of those days, it should be apparent that the heathen were doing things ritualistically (in honor or fear) for dead people in a way that was cultic and that demonstrated their hopeless sorrow.

God desired for His people to be distinctly different (Deuteronomy 14:2). In their diet, in their appearance, in the financial dealings... in every way, they were supposed to evidence their separation from the world.  Is that really so strange (I Corinthians 10:31)?