The Canaanite culture and religion compete and conflict with the strongly held beliefs of the Hebrews. It is necessary to centralize worship and rid the community of pagan idols and pagan customs. The Hebrews are to wait for "a place which the Lord your God will choose" in the promised land. Again they receive a list of acceptable foods, including meat. However, "do not eat the blood; for the blood is the life". In conversation with the aliens "do not inquire about their gods" and beware of the "dreamer of dreams". After the warning about false prophets another grocery list of animals is listed. "Do not eat anything that dies of itself" but it is okay to give it to the aliens or sell it to foreigners. Tithing of produce is required every 3 years and release of slaves is required every 7 years. Still the poor are with us to which we should "open wide your hand".
The Canaanite culture and religion compete and conflict with the strongly held beliefs of the Hebrews. It is necessary to centralize worship and rid the community of pagan idols and pagan customs. The Hebrews are to wait for "a place which the Lord your God will choose" in the promised land. Again they receive a list of acceptable foods, including meat. However, "do not eat the blood; for the blood is the life". In conversation with the aliens "do not inquire about their gods" and beware of the "dreamer of dreams". After the warning about false prophets another grocery list of animals is listed. "Do not eat anything that dies of itself" but it is okay to give it to the aliens or sell it to foreigners. Tithing of produce is required every 3 years and release of slaves is required every 7 years. Still the poor are with us to which we should "open wide your hand".
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