Deuteronomy 22:9-11 contains three laws that prohibit mixing different things:
Not Sowing Different Kinds of Seed (v. 9)
Verse 9 states: “You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole yield be forfeited, the crop that you have sown and the yield of the vineyard.” This law prohibited sowing different kinds of seed together in a vineyard. The concern was that mixing seeds would result in a hybrid crop that was neither one kind nor the other, and the entire crop would become unusable or defiled.
Some suggest this law was intended to preserve the natural order and integrity that God established in creation, as seed naturally produces after its own kind (Genesis 1:11-12). Mixing different seeds defies the created order. Others propose this law promoted logic and good agricultural practice, as different seeds have different harvest times and needs, so mixing them could hurt the overall yield.
Overall, this law emphasized the importance of order, categories, and separation in God’s creation. Mixing different seeds blurred the lines God intended and could make the crop unusable. This principle about order and separation is reflected in other Mosaic laws regarding mixing cloth, plowing animals, etc.
Not Plowing with an Ox and Donkey Together (v. 10)
Verse 10 states: “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.” This prohibited plowing a field using an ox and donkey yoked together. The concern was the unequal strength and size of these animals would cause problems in working together.
The ox was a clean animal but the donkey was unclean (Leviticus 11:1-8). So this law may reflect the principle of separation between clean and unclean things. Mixing them could render the ox, the clean animal, unclean.
This law may also promote compassion for animals, as trying to force animals of such different strength to work together would likely cause frustration and pain to one or both. It was considered cruel and unwise treatment of working animals.
Overall, this law emphasized that things God intended to be separate should stay separate. Mixing clean and unclean, or mismatching animals in work, violated God’s created order.
Not Wearing Cloth of Wool and Linen Together (v. 11)
Verse 11 states: “You shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together.” This prohibited wearing a garment made with both wool and linen.
Linen was a product of plants, while wool came from animals. Mixing them into one garment blurred the distinction God created between plant and animal materials. This principle is also reflected in laws against mixing different seeds.
Wool and linen also required different treatments for washing and wear. Mixing them into one garment could damage the fabric. So this promoted logic and protecting goods.
For the Israelites, abstaining from mixed garments kept them separate and distinct from the practices of other nations who freely mixed materials. So this law could signify Israel’s unique identity and calling as God’s people. They were to be set apart.
Overall, this law stressed the importance of boundaries between categories of things God created to be different. Cloth mixing violated God’s wise order and design.
Significance and Common Themes
These three laws prohibit mixing different kinds of seeds, working animals, and materials for clothing. Though the contexts are different, we find some common themes:
God Created Order and Categories
God originally created kinds/categories of plants, animals, materials, etc. Different seeds each reproduce after their own kind. Animals have different natures. Materials have different properties.
Mixing Things Confuses God’s Order
When different categories of things are mixed, the lines of distinction God created are blurred. The original integrity is compromised. Hybrids that are partly one thing and partly another result.
Mixing Can Make Things Unusable or Harmful
Mixing different seeds or materials could prevent them from properly thriving. And mismatching animals in work could harm them. Mixing brings frustration of purpose.
Mixing Violates God’s Call to Separation for Israel
The lines of distinction God called Israel to maintain (clean/unclean, wool/linen, etc.) kept them set apart from the nations. Mixing could diminish their holiness and witness.
Respecting God’s Order Honors His Wisdom
Submitting to God’s categories honors His perfect design. Not mixing reflects trust in God’s purposeful plan for types of beings in His creation.
In a fallen world full of confusion, God calls His people to honor the wise order He embedded in creation. As His redeemed people, believers seek to live distinct and set apart lives that respect God’s categories and glorify Him.
Additional Relevant Verses
Here are some other passages relevant to the theme of respecting God’s created categories:
Leviticus 19:19 – “‘You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your cattle breed with a different kind. You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor shall you wear a garment of cloth made of two kinds of material.”
Genesis 1:11-12 – “And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
Leviticus 11:1-47 – Laws distinguishing between clean and unclean animals.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – A warning against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, which compromises holiness.
Ephesians 2:14-15 – Through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier/dividing wall between Jew and Gentile was broken down to make peace and one new man in Christ.
Colossians 3:9-11 – In Christ, distinctions between groups that divide people are done away with. Christ makes all one in Himself.
