“When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.”
Historical and Contextual Background: The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible, attributed to Moses, and it primarily consists of his farewell addresses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites regarding their worship practices and the use of animal sacrifices.
Expanding the Borders: The opening phrase, “When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee,” refers to the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the Israelites possession of the land of Canaan, which had borders larger than their current territory. It signifies the expansion of their territorial boundaries.
Permission to Eat Meat: The verse continues, “and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.” Here, Moses addresses the issue of eating meat. In the wilderness, the Israelites primarily relied on manna and quail provided by God for their sustenance. However, with the abundance of land and livestock in the Promised Land, they would have the opportunity to eat meat to satisfy their desire for it.
Restrictions and Warnings: While the Israelites were granted permission to eat meat, there were still certain restrictions and guidelines to follow regarding their dietary practices. In the subsequent verses, Moses provides instructions on where and how they should offer their burnt offerings and sacrifices to the Lord.
Principles and Lessons:
- Gratitude for God’s provision: This verse reminds the Israelites to recognize God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises by expanding their borders. It encourages gratitude for His provision in the form of the land and the ability to enjoy its bounty, including meat.
- God’s allowance of desires: The verse acknowledges that God understands the desires of the human heart. In this case, the Israelites’ longing for meat is acknowledged, and they are given permission to satisfy that desire. However, it is important to note that this permission is given within the context of the proper worship practices prescribed by God.
- Balanced and regulated desires: While God allows the Israelites to eat meat, it is within the boundaries of His instructions. The verse doesn’t imply unrestrained indulgence in desires but rather the fulfillment of desires in alignment with God’s principles and regulations.
- Submission to God’s authority: Although the Israelites were granted permission to eat meat, it was still important for them to follow God’s instructions regarding worship and sacrifices. This verse emphasizes the need for obedience and submission to God’s authority in all aspects of life, including their dietary choices.
Overall, Deuteronomy 12:20 teaches us about gratitude for God’s provision, the allowance of desires within His boundaries, and the importance of obedience and submission to God’s instructions.
