Deuteronomy 12:21 - If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put his name there, is too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul.
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What does "Deuteronomy 12:21" mean?
Deuteronomy 12:21 is part of a larger passage dealing with the centralization of worship in ancient Israel. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put his name there, is too far from you..." This refers to the future temple in Jerusalem (though not explicitly named here). The idea is that God will designate one central location for sacrifices and offerings. This verse acknowledges that this central sanctuary might be a long distance for some Israelites to travel.
"...then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you..." If traveling to the sanctuary is impractical for a common meal, it says it is alright to eat meat outside of the sanctuary.
"...and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul." This means that within your own town or settlement ("within your gates"), you are permitted to slaughter and eat meat from your livestock, according to your appetite and desires. This allows for regular consumption of meat without requiring a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary every time.
In essence, the verse addresses the issue of accessibility to the central place of worship. It acknowledges the reality that not everyone can easily travel to the designated sanctuary. Therefore, it permits the slaughter of animals for common consumption outside of the sanctuary, within one's own community. The implication is that while sacrifices to God should occur at the central sanctuary, the general consumption of meat for meals is acceptable elsewhere.
Key takeaways:
Centralization of Worship: The broader context emphasizes the importance of a single place for offering sacrifices to God, promoting unity and preventing idolatry.
Practical Concession: The verse makes a practical concession, recognizing the difficulty for all Israelites to frequently travel to the central sanctuary.
Distinction Between Sacrifice and Consumption: It distinguishes between sacrificial offerings, which must occur at the designated place, and the consumption of meat for personal enjoyment, which can occur within one's own community.
Important Considerations:
The exact meaning and application of these laws have been debated by scholars and theologians throughout history.
The historical and cultural context of ancient Israel is essential for understanding these laws.
In short, Deuteronomy 12:21 makes a provision for Israelites who lived far from the central sanctuary in Jerusalem, allowing them to slaughter and eat meat in their own towns without having to travel to the sanctuary every time they wanted to eat meat. It recognizes the tension between the ideal of centralized worship and the practical realities of daily life.
Deuteronomy 12:21 - If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put his name there, is too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul.
What does "Deuteronomy 12:21" mean?
Deuteronomy 12:21 is part of a larger passage dealing with the centralization of worship in ancient Israel. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put his name there, is too far from you..." This refers to the future temple in Jerusalem (though not explicitly named here). The idea is that God will designate one central location for sacrifices and offerings. This verse acknowledges that this central sanctuary might be a long distance for some Israelites to travel.
"...then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you..." If traveling to the sanctuary is impractical for a common meal, it says it is alright to eat meat outside of the sanctuary.
"...and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul." This means that within your own town or settlement ("within your gates"), you are permitted to slaughter and eat meat from your livestock, according to your appetite and desires. This allows for regular consumption of meat without requiring a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary every time.
In essence, the verse addresses the issue of accessibility to the central place of worship. It acknowledges the reality that not everyone can easily travel to the designated sanctuary. Therefore, it permits the slaughter of animals for common consumption outside of the sanctuary, within one's own community. The implication is that while sacrifices to God should occur at the central sanctuary, the general consumption of meat for meals is acceptable elsewhere.
Key takeaways:
Centralization of Worship: The broader context emphasizes the importance of a single place for offering sacrifices to God, promoting unity and preventing idolatry.
Practical Concession: The verse makes a practical concession, recognizing the difficulty for all Israelites to frequently travel to the central sanctuary.
Distinction Between Sacrifice and Consumption: It distinguishes between sacrificial offerings, which must occur at the designated place, and the consumption of meat for personal enjoyment, which can occur within one's own community.
Important Considerations:
The exact meaning and application of these laws have been debated by scholars and theologians throughout history.
The historical and cultural context of ancient Israel is essential for understanding these laws.
In short, Deuteronomy 12:21 makes a provision for Israelites who lived far from the central sanctuary in Jerusalem, allowing them to slaughter and eat meat in their own towns without having to travel to the sanctuary every time they wanted to eat meat. It recognizes the tension between the ideal of centralized worship and the practical realities of daily life.