“Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were written by Moses. It contains Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites, as they were about to enter the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites about their conduct regarding the consumption of meat.
Permission to eat meat: In this verse, God allows the Israelites to kill and eat meat within the gates of their towns. This permission is given in light of the fact that they were about to enter a land filled with various types of animals suitable for consumption. The Israelites were an agrarian society, and their primary source of sustenance was livestock and crops. Here, God acknowledges their need for meat and grants them the liberty to enjoy it.
Equality between the clean and the unclean: The verse states that both the clean and the unclean can eat the meat. In the Old Testament, certain animals were classified as “clean,” which meant they could be eaten according to the dietary laws outlined in the book of Leviticus. On the other hand, “unclean” animals were prohibited for consumption. However, in this verse, God permits both clean and unclean animals to be eaten, emphasizing that all could partake in the bounty provided by Him.
Gratitude for God’s blessing: The verse mentions that the Israelites should eat according to the blessing of the Lord their God, which He had given them. This serves as a reminder to the Israelites to recognize God as the source of their provision and to express gratitude for His blessings. It teaches them to acknowledge that all good things come from God and to approach their meals with thankfulness.
Symbolic significance: This verse also holds symbolic significance. In the New Testament, the concept of clean and unclean animals is used metaphorically to refer to the distinction between Jews and Gentiles. However, through Jesus Christ, this distinction was abolished, and all people were invited to partake in the blessings of salvation. This verse foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, where God’s grace is extended to all, regardless of their previous categorization.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 12:15 grants the Israelites permission to eat meat, both clean and unclean, within their towns. It reminds them to be grateful for God’s blessings and recognizes His provision. Moreover, this verse carries a symbolic message of the inclusive nature of God’s grace, which was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
