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.
A critical distinction: '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.' This distinguishes sacrificial slaughter (only at central sanctuary) from ordinary slaughter for food (anywhere). Before centralization, all meat consumption involved sacrifice (Leviticus 17:3-7). Now, with distant sanctuary, regular meat-eating is permitted locally. The phrase 'unclean and the clean' means ritually clean/unclean persons, not animals—both may eat non-sacrificial meat. This prevents worship centralization from eliminating meat consumption for distant tribes.
Historical Context
This represents significant legal development from Levitical law. Leviticus 17:3-7 required all slaughter at Tabernacle to prevent offerings to 'demons' (שְׂעִירִים, se'irim, literally 'goat-demons'). Deuteronomy's centralization made this impractical—distant Israelites couldn't travel to Jerusalem for every meal. Thus, non-sacrificial slaughter becomes permissible. This demonstrates law's contextual application: principles remain, but application adapts to circumstances. The distinction between common and sacred remains critical.
Questions for Reflection
How does this verse demonstrate that biblical law adapts application to changing circumstances while maintaining principles?
What is the difference between sacred (worship) and common (daily) activities, and how do we maintain both?
How do we avoid collapsing all life into 'sacred' (rigorous legalism) or reducing worship to 'common' (casual irreverence)?
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Analysis & Commentary
A critical distinction: '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.' This distinguishes sacrificial slaughter (only at central sanctuary) from ordinary slaughter for food (anywhere). Before centralization, all meat consumption involved sacrifice (Leviticus 17:3-7). Now, with distant sanctuary, regular meat-eating is permitted locally. The phrase 'unclean and the clean' means ritually clean/unclean persons, not animals—both may eat non-sacrificial meat. This prevents worship centralization from eliminating meat consumption for distant tribes.