This bible verse is found in Deuteronomy 14:21, Exodus 23:19 and Exodus 34:26. The meaning of these verses is a matter of debate. It could be that it was a Canaanite ritual, or simply that mother’s milk, which is meant to provide life, should not be used to destroy physical life. Other meanings suggest the Canaanites used this as a fertility ritual and was further used to spread on their crops and vineyards. Some rabbinical teachers in fact prohibit consuming dairy along with any kind of meat as complying with kosher law.
However, perhaps there is a spiritual meaning applicable to those raising children in the faith. First Peter 2:2 notes that “as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby.” In other words, milk is the teaching of the scriptures to a young person in the faith. Paul confirms this in Hebrews 5:12: “for when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of Yahweh and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat”. Matthew 20:25-28 and 2 Timothy 2:24 note that as teachers we should be servants and be gentle to all.
Paul indicates in 2 Timothy 3:10 that from a child Timothy had known the word that could make him wise to salvation. Indeed Deuteronomy 6:6-7 notes that we shall talk about the word with our children. Psalm 127:3 says that children are gifts from Yahweh, and Proverbs 17:6 notes that grandchildren are the crown of an old man. Proverbs 22:6 says that we should “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This could be talking about training someone that is young i.e., an adult that is new to the word or your own child who is young physically and bringing them along gently in the way they should go. Proverbs 29:15 &17 explain that we should correct or discipline our children or someone young in the word, but again this should be done tenderly. Most of all, children need to be reassured that they are loved unconditionally in the same way Our Creator loves all of us unconditionally. Remember our best actions are as filthy rags, so try to be loving as you instruct your physical children or those that are new to the word.
Colossians 3:21 and Ephesians 6:4 further explain that we should not provoke children to anger. Indeed, we should control our temper for anger resides in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Our Creator is no fool, and the adversary is likely the wrath of Yahweh. See Job 1 and 2 where it is clear the adversary has to get permission to unleash his anger.
Remember Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 7:14 that even if your spouse and children are unbelieving, they are set apart and Holy because of your faith. Therefore, do all things in love and constantly reassure your children or someone you are instructing about your unconditional love. Often small children get confused, as they may think being corrected means you do not love them. They have to be constantly reassured that they are loved and it is just these particular behaviors or actions that need to be corrected. In fact, once they understand that, it goes a long way towards their security. Even a heathen takes care of their family (Matthew 5:43-48) therefore, how much more should the believer gently take care of his family. Furthermore, we are instructed to consider others better than ourselves, Philippians 2:3.
Thus, the admonition to not to boil a child in his mother’s milk may have a spiritual meaning. Meaning that taking the scriptures that are Holy and forcing them on young children or adults who are young in the word and turning them off to such an extent that they actually turn away from Our Creator and His teachings would be tragic. In fact, we should do all things in love and edify one and another, especially those of the household of faith.
See the article on love published on 8/29/16 by Robert Bondurant on this website. If this article interests you, we suggest reading all the articles under “news” on the website (in reverse order), pray to Father Yahweh in the name of Yahweh Shua, and seriously consider taking the first step, which is baptism.