“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. . .” Matthew 7: 6, NKJV.
Gracious God, we are waiting to hear from You as we enter the study Your Word. Please speak to our hearts. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This is a rather interesting portion of Scripture. And I am sure that there are many interpretations of what its true significance is. I went searching for its contextual meaning before applying what may be considered a practical twentieth century meaning. I truly believe that Jesus wanted us to search Scripture thoroughly; in order to not only understand what it meant in His day, or in a Hebrew setting, but for our practical application as well.
It is very clear from reading the Hebrew Scriptures that dogs and swine were considered undesirable, and unclean. The eating of an individual’s flesh by dogs was oftentimes part of a curse (2 Kings: 9: 10, 35-37). Swine flesh was considered unclean and was not to be touched, or eaten (Leviticus 11: 7, 8). In speaking about how abominable their sacrifices had become to Him, God had the following to say: ” ‘ “ He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck; He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood; he who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol. Just as they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations” (Isaiah 66: 3). Emphasis supplied. Money gained in the sale of a dog was not to be brought into the sanctuary. It was considered an “abomination” (Deuteronomy 23: 18). People who were looked down upon were referred to as “dogs” (2 Samuel 16: 9).
The marginal readings from the NKJV shed some very valuable light on the application of our verse for today. “Dogs and swine refer to people who are enemies of the gospel, as opposed to those who are merely unbelievers. Such enemies are to be left alone (see 15: 14; 2 Cor. 6: 14-18). One example of such a person was Herod Antipas, who heard John gladly (see Mark 6: 20), but then beheaded him (see 14: 1-12; Mark 6: 14-28; Luke 9: 7-9). Later when Christ stood before Herod, He said nothing (see Luke 23: 8. 9). In the context of this verse, Herod had become a “dog” or a “pig.” ‘ ” Emphasis supplied.
As we compare the message in this verse with the message in the first five verses of the chapter, once again, we come face to face with the need for balance in all our dealings with one another. While we are not to judge each other, there is the need of the gift of “discerning of spirits” (1 Corinthians 12: 10c), to know when we are dealing with an enemy, “of the gospel,” or a mere “unbeliever.” Notice that this discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit of God, who alone sees the heart! Some of us may die before we see the results of our efforts on behalf of souls for whom we have prayed, and with whom we have shared the gospel. Yet, if the Spirit bids us to continue our efforts, let us pray for strength, not to “be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6: 9).
May God grant unto us the spirit of discernment. And may none of us use this verse as an excuse to give up on any soul! Thank God, Jesus Christ did not give up on us!