“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, whensoever thou wilt.”– Deuteronomy 12:20 (KJV)
“When the LORD your God expands your territory as he has promised, and you crave meat and say, ‘I would like some meat,’ then you may eat as much meat as you want.”– Deuteronomy 12:20 (NLT)
“When the LORD your God increases your territory, as he promised, and you say, ‘I want meat to eat,’ then you may eat meat whenever you want.”– Deuteronomy 12:20 (MSG)
What Does Deuteronomy 12:20 Mean?
This verse holds a significant meaning in the context of God’s provisions for His people. As the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, they were given clear guidelines on various aspects of life, including dietary practices. God was letting them know that as He expands their borders, and they feel the desire to eat meat, they would be permitted to do so. In essence, God’s message is one of abundance and freedom. It signifies a shift from a restrictive lifestyle to one that enjoys the richness of God’s blessings. It showcases God’s understanding of human desires and needs. The verse illustrates how God cares for us, fulfilling our needs and wants, and granting us the freedom to enjoy what He provides.
When we look deeper, the idea of “enlarging your borders” is metaphorical for spiritual growth and abundance in various areas of life, including relationships, finances, and emotional well-being. God’s promise assures us that as we grow and flourish, we can enjoy the blessings that come our way. In our journey of faith, we may find ourselves craving more—a deeper relationship with God, the fulfillment of our dreams, or even comfort in difficult times. This verse encourages us to trust in God for those desires. It teaches us that it’s okay to express our desires to God, who ultimately wants to fulfill them in His time.
Deuteronomy 12:20 Explanation and Commentary
To explore this verse further, we need to recognize what it tells us about how God interacts with His people. Deuteronomy consists of speeches by Moses to the Israelites before they enter Canaan. The core message in this particular verse echoes God’s promises to His people. The enlargement of their territory can be interpreted as God’s blessings and the significant spiritual nourishment He provides. God does not want us just to survive; He desires for us to thrive. The act of saying “I want meat” exemplifies the freedom given to the Israelites to express their desires. This aspect is critical since many times we may feel hesitant or unworthy to ask for our needs or desires from God. This text reassures us that expressing our desires is part of a healthy relationship with our Creator.
This verse also resonates in how it connects to our modern lives. Life has a way of making us prioritize the essentials—our daily bread (Matthew 6:11)—but we must remember that God desires us to enjoy the bounty He provides. It’s not only about survival; it’s about celebrating life and enjoying our blessings. If we feel a desire, whether it leads to material gain or emotional fulfillment, we can approach God freely in faith and expectation. God hears us, and He wants good things for us.
Additionally, let us not overlook the context within which this promise is given. The Israelites were stepping into a land filled with opportunities, but they were cautioned to remember that it was God who was enlarging their territory. They should not allow pride or self-sufficiency to cloud the truth of who provided them with abundance. This serves as a potent reminder for us as well. In our successes and milestones, we must remain thankful and conscious of God’s role in our lives. This attitude fosters humility and gratitude, ensuring that our hearts remain grounded in faith.
Ultimately, this verse is a beautiful invitation to enjoy life, recognizing that while we read and focus on God’s commands, He also wishes for us to enjoy the good gifts He provides. This message of freedom in our choices is important to our spiritual journey and overall well-being.
Context of Deuteronomy 12:20
Understanding the context of this verse is vital. Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible that lay the groundwork for the faith life of the Israelites. In this book, Moses addresses the second generation of Israelites who were destined to enter the Promised Land. After forty years in the wilderness, God had prepared them to settle in a place flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).
This chapter (Deuteronomy 12) discusses the importance of worship and the proper places to offer sacrifices, highlighting the profound relationship between the people of Israel and their God. The verse in question emphasizes a significant shift in the lifestyle of the Israelites. Unlike their time in the desert, where food was provided in a miraculous manner, now they were entering a fertile land where they could cultivate and manage their food resources. This transition represents growth and maturity in their faith.
In the earlier chapters of Deuteronomy, God lays out His laws to guard and guide the Israelites. He focuses on establishing their identity as His chosen people, giving them a sense of purpose grounded in their relationship with Him. The mention of meat signifies more than just physical sustenance; it alludes to the richness of life that God wants to provide. God is establishing the idea that part of entering the Promised Land is the experience of tasting and enjoying life. By connecting their desires with the provisions God makes, this verse reveals an intimate relationship where God meets His people right where they are.
The historical significance magnifies as we reflect on God’s redemptive plan. The fact that He allows His people to consume meat can be seen as God’s preparation for Jesus, whose ultimate sacrifice would later provide sustenance far beyond any physical provision. The giving of Christ solidifies the relationship where we can come to Him with our desires, reflecting the very nature of the God we serve—a God who desires joy and fulfillment for His children.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Deuteronomy 12:20
Once we break it down, the first part of the verse mentions God enlarging borders. This signifies growth, opportunity, and the blessing of abundance. For us, it is essential to recognize that expansion comes from God. Our faith, success, and influences in life are intricate threads woven together through God’s grace. We are reminded that it is okay to have ambitions and dreams, especially when we openly acknowledge that our achievements are rooted in divine wisdom. When God enlarges our territory, it reflects how He prepares us for what lies ahead. It demonstrates trust in His timing and the journey He wants for each of us.
Secondly, the verse continues with the expression of a craving for flesh. This declaration stands out, indicating that God encourages us to express our desires. Asking for a specific need or want signifies using our voice and pursuing our relationships with a God who loves to hear from us. It invites an intimate connection with Him. This craving serves as a reminder to communicate our feelings and desires to God. No matter how trivial we believe they might be, they are important to our Father. He cares about what we care about. Expressing this craving signifies a willingness to engage in dialogue about our wants, and it opens the door for God’s blessings and provisions.
The concluding part offers permission to eat this flesh “whensoever” we want. This phrase illustrates freedom in choices and rejoicing in God’s provision. It’s an invitation to partake without guilt or hesitation, showcasing how God removes barriers that keep us from fully enjoying life. This is where spiritual maturity comes in. Trusting God means we can enjoy the good things in life without letting them supersede our devotion to Him. We are called to manage our blessings wisely, with gratitude reflecting in our lifestyle. It reminds us of the balance we should keep: thriving in abundance while remaining grounded in faith and appreciation to God.
Lessons to Learn From Deuteronomy 12:20
This verse has invaluable lessons for our lives. Anyone seeking to grow in faith can distill the essence of this scripture into tangible takeaways. The first lesson is about our desires. God wants us to express our wants and needs to Him. When we have longings in our hearts, we can come boldly before Him, as Hebrews 4:16 states. This expression builds relational depth. Let’s not shy away from sharing our desires, even when they might seem trivial. Our heavenly Father appreciates open communication.
Another lesson revolves around the importance of gratitude. Even with the promise of abundance, we must remember that all comes from God. In a world that often promotes self-sufficiency, we should not forget the source of our blessings. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to give thanks in everything. Cultivating a thankful heart helps maintain our focus on God, regardless of situations we face. This mindset encourages us to acknowledge the good in life, giving God the glory rightfully due to Him.
Yet another lesson is the importance of balance in life. The freedom to partake in life’s blessings should guide us to enjoy responsibly. We are stewards of the blessings God grants us and should wield them wisely. It’s vital that our joys do not become distractions from our spiritual well-being. As we enjoy God’s gifts, such as family relationships, financial prosperity, and all our beloved pastimes, we should do so in a manner that draws us closer to Him.
Lastly, this verse provides us with an opportunity to reflect on spiritual growth. Entering the Promised Land symbolizes moving from a season of spiritual wonder and dependence on God to one of maturity and acceptance. As we cultivate our faith, we mature in our desires, recognizing the goodness of God’s gifts while also striving toward further growth in our spiritual journeys. The path may include challenges, but it’s vital to remember that God is always with us, guiding our steps and desires along the way.
Final Thoughts
Deuteronomy 12:20 is much more than a simple verse about dietary freedom; it embodies God’s heart for His people and invites us into relationship and conversation. Every time we read scripture, we are afforded the chance to reflect on our realities. This verse carries the essence of love, abundance, and provision; it inspires us to express our desires and trust God to provide. As we navigate through life’s experiences, let’s remind ourselves to celebrate the joyous moments as we await further growth. In our journey together, let’s make prayer a habit, sharing our hearts with God and appreciating the path He has laid before us.
We have merely scratched the surface in this discussion, and we encourage you to explore more topics that inspire your faith and understanding. Learn about Jesus’s ministry in John 7:13 or dive into the significance of Numbers 13:23 in your walk. Who knows what treasures await you as you continue to seek God’s wisdom?