Deuteronomy 12:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 12:21
21 If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 12 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, redemption, wisdom. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 12:21
21 If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
Analysis
Repetition for emphasis: 'If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock...and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.' The concession to distance ('too far') permits local slaughter while maintaining sanctuary exclusivity for sacrifice. The phrase 'to put his name there' reminds that sacredness derives from divine choice, not geography. Non-sacrificial meat consumption is permitted ('whatsoever thy soul lusteth after'), but sacred slaughter remains restricted. This practical accommodation prevents hardship while maintaining worship purity.
Historical Context
Israel's territory at maximum extent (Dan to Beersheba, ~150 miles) made Jerusalem travel burdensome for northern and southern extremes. Three annual pilgrimage feasts required presence (Deuteronomy 16:16), but daily meat consumption couldn't require travel. This law permitted daily life to continue while reserving worship for central sanctuary. After division, northern kingdom used distance as excuse for rival sanctuaries (1 Kings 12:27-28), though that violated worship centralization itself.
Reflection
- How do we distinguish legitimate practical accommodation from unauthorized innovation in worship?
- What principles guide application of God's commands when circumstances make literal compliance difficult?
- How do modern churches balance gathering requirements (corporate worship) with practical limitations (distance, health, work)?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 12:5