Deuteronomy 12:20

Deuteronomy 12:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the LORD your God expands your territory as He has promised, and you crave meat and say, “I want to eat meat,” you may eat it whenever you want.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

When Jehovah thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul desireth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, after all the desire of thy soul.

Bible in Basic English BBE

When the Lord your God makes wide the limit of your land, as he has said, and you say, I will take flesh for my food, because you have a desire for it; then you may take whatever flesh you have a desire for.

Free Bible Version FBV

When the Lord your God gives you more land as he promised, and you feel like some meat, and say, “I want to have some meat,” you can eat it whenever you want.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as hee hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I wil eate flesh, (because thine heart longeth to eate flesh) thou maiest eate flesh, whatsoeuer thine heart desireth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'When Jehovah thy God doth enlarge thy border, as He hath spoken to thee, and thou hast said, Let me eat flesh — for thy soul desireth to eat flesh — of all the desire of thy soul thou dost eat flesh.

World English Bible WEB

When the LORD your God enlarges your border, as he has promised you, and you say, “I want to eat meat,” because your soul desires to eat meat, you may eat meat, after all the desire of your soul.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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, whatever thy soul desireth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

When the Lord thy God shall have enlarged thy borders, as he hath spoken to thee, and thou wilt eat the flesh that thy soul desireth:

Translation for Translators T4T

“When Yahweh our God gives you much more land than you will have when you first occupy it, which is what he has promised to do, and you say ‘I would like some meat to eat’ because you are craving/wanting some meat, you will be permitted to eat meat whenever you want to.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 12:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 12:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי יַרְחִיב֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֥י/ךָ אֶֽת גְּבֽוּלְ/ךָ֮ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּר לָ/ךְ֒ וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֙ אֹכְלָ֣ה בָשָׂ֔ר כִּֽי תְאַוֶּ֥ה נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖ לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל בָּשָׂ֑ר בְּ/כָל אַוַּ֥ת נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖ תֹּאכַ֥ל בָּשָֽׂר

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יַרְחִיב֩ râchab H7337 to enlarge V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֶ֥י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

גְּבֽוּלְ/ךָ֮ gᵉbûwl H1366 border N-ms | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

דִּבֶּר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

לָ/ךְ֒ Prep | Suff

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֹכְלָ֣ה ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-1cs

בָשָׂ֔ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

תְאַוֶּ֥ה ʼâvâh H183 to desire V-Piel-Imperf-3fs

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בָּשָׂ֑ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

אַוַּ֥ת ʼavvâh H185 desire N-fs

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

תֹּאכַ֥ל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

בָּשָֽׂר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 12:20

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יַרְחִיב֩ râchab H7337 "to enlarge" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To enlarge or grow wide, as in making something bigger or more spacious, like a room or a path. This word is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in descriptions of God's power and promises. It appears in books like Isaiah and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to be or grow wide, be or grow large 1a) (Qal) to be widened, be enlarged 1b) (Niphal) broad or roomy pasture (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make large 1c2) to enlarge

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: be an en-(make) large(-ing), make room, make (open) wide. See also: Genesis 26:22; Psalms 119:32; Psalms 4:2.

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֶ֥י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

גְּבֽוּלְ/ךָ֮ gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.

Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

דִּבֶּר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

לָ/ךְ֒ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֹכְלָ֣ה ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-1cs

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

בָשָׂ֔ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

תְאַוֶּ֥ה ʼâvâh H183 "to desire" V-Piel-Imperf-3fs

To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.

Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

בָּשָׂ֑ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אַוַּ֥ת ʼavvâh H185 "desire" N-fs

Avvah is a strong desire or longing, which can be good or bad. In Genesis 3:6, Eve desired the forbidden fruit, while in Psalm 38:9, David expressed his desire for God's help. This concept is about intense wanting.

Definition: desire, lust, will (not necessarily evil)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: desire, lust after, pleasure. See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Deuteronomy 18:6; Jeremiah 2:24.

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

תֹּאכַ֥ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

בָּשָֽׂר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 12:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 12:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 12:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:20
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:20
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 12:20
Sermons on Deuteronomy 12:20

Context — One Place for Worship

18Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do, 19and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.

20When the LORD your God expands your territory as He has promised, and you crave meat and say, “I want to eat meat,” you may eat it whenever you want.

21If the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His Name is too far from you, then you may slaughter any of the herd or flock He has given you, as I have commanded you, and you may eat it within your gates whenever you want. 22Indeed, you may eat it as you would eat a gazelle or deer; both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 19:8	And if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised them,
2	Deuteronomy 11:24	Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours. Your territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Western Sea.
3	Exodus 34:24	For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.
4	Genesis 28:14	Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.
5	Genesis 15:18–21	On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”
6	Exodus 23:31	And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.
7	Deuteronomy 12:15	But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Both the ceremonially clean and unclean may eat it as they would a gazelle or deer,
8	1 Chronicles 4:10	And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez.
9	Psalms 107:9	For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
10	Psalms 63:1	O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water.

Deuteronomy 12:20 Summary

[Deuteronomy 12:20 is saying that when God blesses us and gives us what we need, we can enjoy the good things He provides, as long as we do it in a way that honors Him. This means being thankful and rejoicing in His blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:18-19 and Psalm 100:4-5. We should also remember to trust God to provide for our needs, even when we don't see how He will do it, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34. By doing so, we can have a deeper relationship with God and live a life that is pleasing to Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to crave meat in Deuteronomy 12:20?

In this context, craving meat refers to a strong desire for food, specifically meat, as the Israelites were allowed to eat it when they wanted, as long as they followed God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:20-22 and Leviticus 7:23-25.

Is Deuteronomy 12:20 saying that we can do whatever we want if God blesses us?

No, Deuteronomy 12:20 is not saying that we can do whatever we want if God blesses us, but rather that when God expands our territory and provides for us, we can enjoy the fruits of our labor, as long as we do it in a way that honors Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:18-19 and 1 Timothy 4:4-5.

How does Deuteronomy 12:20 relate to the concept of gratitude?

Deuteronomy 12:20 relates to the concept of gratitude by reminding us to rejoice and be thankful for the blessings God gives us, such as an abundance of food, and to not take them for granted, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:18 and Psalm 100:4-5.

What is the significance of the phrase 'as He has promised' in Deuteronomy 12:20?

The phrase 'as He has promised' in Deuteronomy 12:20 refers to God's covenant promises to the Israelites, such as the promise to give them the land and bless them, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 6:4-8.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can rejoice and be thankful for the blessings God has given me, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:18-19?
How can I balance my desires with obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:20-22?
What are some ways that I can make sure to not neglect those in need, such as the Levites, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:19?
How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when I don't see how He will do it, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 12:20

When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee,.... Brought them into the land of Canaan, where they should have large and good pastures for the feeding of their cattle,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 12:20

Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:20

When the Lord shall enlarge thy border, which will make it inconvenient and impossible to do what now thou dost, and because of the narrow bounds of thy camp canst conveniently do, to wit, to bring all the cattle thou usest to the tabernacle, which it seems probable they did, to prevent their eating of blood. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:20

Deuteronomy 12:20 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.Ver. 20. Thou mayest eat flesh.] Only it is noted as a fault to "feed without fear." And flesh mongers are taxed by Solomon. Nos etiam animas incarnavimus, saith an ancient, complaining of the arrogance of his times.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:20

(20) When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border. . . .—This and the following verses (20-25) are perfectly intelligible as an expansion of Deu 12:15-16, and a modification of the strict rule introduced in Leviticus 18:2, &c. The distance from the central place of worship to the borders of the land would be manifestly too great for all feasting to be limited to that one spot.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 12:20

I. First Division of the Laws: on Worship and Religious Institutions—Deuteronomy 12:2 to Deuteronomy 16:17, Deuteronomy 16:21 to Deuteronomy 17:7 Some 16 laws occupying because of their subject the premier place in the Code. 2–28. The Law of the One Altar and its Corollary As we have seen the law of One Sanctuary for Israel was, in the circumstances of that people in the 7th century, an inevitable consequence from the prophetic proclamation of One God for Israel. For the practice of worshipping Him at many shrines, sanctioned by Himself in the earlier period of Israel’s settlement, had, especially as many of the sites chosen were those of the Canaanite worship of local Ba‘alim, tended to break up the people’s belief in His Unity. He became to their minds many Jehovahs (see above on Deuteronomy 6:4); and at the same time their conceptions of Him were degraded by the confusion of His attributes with those of the deities to whose shrines He had succeeded. Therefore as the Unity of Jehovah and His ethical character are the burden of the Miṣ ?wah or Charge introductory to the Code it is appropriate that the first of the laws should be that abolishing the custom of sacrifice at many sanctuaries and limiting His ritual to a single altar. Note, too, how this is immediately followed by a warning against the worship of other gods (Deuteronomy 12:29-31); and that the next laws (Deuteronomy 12:32 to Deuteronomy 13:18) deal with those who entice, or are enticed, to that worship. Nothing could more clearly show how urgently the concentration of the worship of Jehovah was required in the interest of faith in His Unity and in His spiritual nature. How thoroughly such a law contradicts the earlier legislation about altars, as well as the divinely sanctioned practice of sacrifice in Israel after the settlement; and how far it is incompatible with the corresponding laws in P, will appear in the notes. The chapter has some obvious editorial insertions disturbing the connection (Deuteronomy 12:3; Deuteronomy 12:15-16; Deuteronomy 12:32); but there are besides repetitions of the central injunction of the law in the same or similar phraseology and introduced or followed by different reasons for it. A careful analysis shows that these are not due to the discursiveness of one writer, but are statements of the same law from different writers of the same religious school. This conclusion is confirmed by the prevalence in Deuteronomy 12:2-12 of the Pl. and in Deuteronomy 12:13-28 of the Sg. form of address. But even within Deuteronomy 12:2-12 there is a double statement of the central injunction; on the other hand in Deuteronomy 12:13-28 the repetitions are either clearly editorial insertions, or due to the necessity of repeating the central injunction of the law in a practical corollary permitting the non-sacrificial enjoyment of flesh to Israelites, too far from the One Altar to be able regularly to consecrate it there.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 12:20

	Sermon	Description
	An Alarm to the Unconverted 4 of 5 by Joseph Alleine	In this sermon, Christ is calling upon the listeners to arise and take possession of the good land that is promised to them. The preacher encourages the audience to view the glory
	Epistle 217 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about living in the power of God, which brings unity, peace, and joy, and overcomes strife and the works of the devil. He emphasizes the importance of dwelling
	Jacob's Ladder by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson explores the life of Jacob, a flawed yet beloved figure in the Old Testament, who deceived his brother Esau to obtain his birthright and blessing. Despite Jacob's m
	Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Genesis by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby explores the foundational themes of Genesis, emphasizing its unique character as the beginning of the Bible and the introduction of key principles regarding God's
	Obtain the Divine Blessing by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of faith and righteousness in receiving God's blessings by reflecting on the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham was blessed for h
	Even More on God's Promises and God's Law by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra delves into the promises God made to Abraham, emphasizing that these blessings were not dependent on following the law or circumcision, but on having faith in God's ri
	God Accomplishes His Purpose by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite Jacob's deceitful nature, God had a divine purpose for him, showcasing God's unwavering love and commitment to fulfill His promises. As Jaco