Devarim 12 (Deuteronomy 12)
Devarim 12, Moshe tells the people that when they are in the land, they are to destroy the places where the people served their redeemers. The Children of Yisrael are not to make offerings at any place they choose. They are to bring their Burnt Offerings, Free Will Offerings, Vows, tithes and firstling of their flocks to the place Yehovah designates. They may also kill what they desire in their gates, the clean and the unclean to eat. This sometimes confuses people when they first read this. However, this is not an allowance to eat just any meat. It is referring to the grade of the animal. They are still to pour the blood on the land. There is a reminder not to forget the Levites, the Levites do not share in the inheritance. There is the warning against learning the ways of the nations that were previously in the land or those who surround them. Finally, a commandment not to add or take away from Torah.
Yehovah is used 26 times in Devarim 12.
Top
Sections:
|
|
Return to Devarim (Deuteronomy)
Return to Books of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies
Price for Not Implementing
Price for Not Implementing
Devarim 12:1
1 These the statutes and judgments, which you shall observe to do in the land, which Yehovah Redeemer of your fathers gives you to possess it, all the days that you live upon the earth (adamah).
Moshe is telling the Children of Yisrael to observe these statutes and judgments when they enter the land. The fact that Moshe states upon the earth should key us into the seriousness of these statutes and commands. The Children of Yisrael are to follow the statutes and judgments whether they are in the land or outside the land. There is no exception.
What follows are not difficult to initially implement. However, it is the observance of the commands on an ongoing basis that becomes difficult. Often the next generation fails to maintain what the generation before them established. This may be due to changing circumstances and unfamiliarity with what occurred initially. Sometimes because the succeeding generation did not implement the standard they do not understand what is required to maintain it. This is why it is imperative that the previous generation instructs the following generation in a way that helps them in the years to come. This is the hardest of all tasks we all face.
Although, much of what is written is not difficult to implement today. Most of it is ignored by those who call themselves followers of the Bible. However, if one would like to transition to following them, it would not be complex at all. It would require the individuals to make various changes. Once that was done, it is only a matter of maintaining a specific lifestyle. However, many are unwilling to change. Many find it difficult to walk away from the way they were raised. Either way, we will all pay a price for our action or inaction. Yeshua warned us that this would happen, Matityahu 10:34-36.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth. I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes they of his own household.
The sword Yeshua sent was the word. It will separate us from others, even our own family. But if we deny the word, then we are denying Yehovah. The price of not implementing the word is Matityahu 10:32-33.
32 Whoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. 33 But whoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.
If we do not follow the words of Yehovah, Yeshua will not be able to defend us before Yehovah. It will effectively tie His hands and we will be without an intermediary. As such, we will feel the full force of 1 Corinthians 11:30-32.
30 For this cause many weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Consider very carefully before you decide not to follow the statutes and commandments of Yehovah. There are consequences. There could be a blessing and there could be a curse. Without an intermediary, life will become increasingly filled with random curses and even direct ones. Not properly knowing and implementing the word will become our downfall.
Destroy Their Places
Destroy Their Places
Devarim 12:2-3
2 You shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which you shall possess served their redeemers, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree. 3 And you shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and you shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.
Utterly destroy comes from the Hebrew phrase אַבֵּד תְּאַבְּדוּן. It is the Hebrew word אָבַד avad (H0006) twice. It is in the Bible 184 times. אָבַד avad (H0006) is translated perish 98 times, destroy 62 times, lose 10 times, fail 2 times, surely 2 times, utterly 2 times, broken 1 time, destruction 1 time, escape 1 time, flee 1 time, spends 1 time, take 1 time, undone 1 time and void 1 time. In Devarim 12:2, the double use indicates a complete destruction, nothing should remain.
When the Children of Yisrael entered the land, they were to remove all foreign worship. This included destroying all foreign places of worship regardless of the location. The former inhabitants of the land would erect altars in the various locations. The Children of Yisrael were to destroy all altars, pillars and groves. Anything that was associated with a false god was to be destroyed.
Groves comes from the Hebrew word אֲשֵׁרָה asherah or אֲשֵׁירָה asheyrah (H0842). It is in the Bible 40 times and is always translated grove. It is the Babylonian goddess Astarte or the Kenaani goddess of fortune and happiness, the supposed consort of Baal. Sacred trees or poles were set up near the altar. Some scholars concluded that the grove was a sacred pole set up near an altar to Baal. Since there was only one goddess with this name, the plural probably represents several poles dedicated to her. These groves or poles were to be burnt.
In the end, nothing was to remain of these various objects and images. The land was to be cleansed of all foreign worship. It was to remain that way in subsequent generations. That includes the time we live in. We may not be able to completely cleanse our land today, but we can cleanse our homes and worship.
The first generation into Yisrael more than likely fulfilled this. However, succeeding generations were not so diligent to maintain the cleanliness of the land. Throughout the Book of Neviim (Prophets), there are numerous examples of foreign gods in the land. Repeatedly, the land had to be cleansed. Various kings took action to cleanse the land; however, none seemed to go far enough or diligently kept the cleanliness throughout their reign. Somehow foreign worship had a tendency to creep in. As it always will if left unchecked.
Devarim 12:4
4 You shall not do so to Yehovah your Redeemer.
The land was to be cleansed and kept cleansed. The Children of Yisrael were not to allow it to return. Further, they were not to adapt foreign worship to their worship of Yehovah. They were to sanctify their worship as specified in Torah.
Yehovah had a specific way that He wanted to be worshiped. We were to learn His ways and not deviate. Today, much of what is written in Scriptures is not possible to observe. Mainly because the land of Yisrael is not a theocracy and there is no longer a Temple. Besides which, even if we tried to build a Temple, it is not possible nor is it desired by Yehovah. The question will always be, how do we worship Yehovah today?
To answer this, we have to go to a time when worship was acceptable. That would be the First Century. How do we determine the type of worship they did? Our only option is to study the words they left behind. This would be the Beriyt Chadasha. Within the 27 books, they left us the words we need to understand. However, do not make the mistake of isolating yourself to only these books. Their basis is the 39 proceeding books. A study of either set supports using the other set.
Even with all 66 books of the Bible, worship is not easily understood. We need the leading of the Holy Spirit. In time if we are consistent and diligently seek Him, we will be able to accomplish Yochanan 4:23-24.
23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. For the Father seeks such to worship Him. 24 God a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship in Spirit and in Truth.
We need to pursue worship in Spirit and Truth. When we do that we will no longer wait for Yochanan 4:25.
25 The woman said to Him, I know that Messias comes, which is called Messiah. When He is come, He will tell us all things.
We will not have to wait, because we will have found access to the Truth through the Spirit. We will have Yochanan 4:26.
26 Yeshua said to her, I that speak to you am.
We will hear His voice in all things. And will do all things proper in His name.
Place Yehovah Chooses
Place Yehovah Chooses
Devarim 12:5
5 But to the place which Yehovah your Redeemer shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, to His habitation shall you seek, and there you shall come.
When the Children of Yisrael settled in the land, Yehovah would designate a place to set up the Mishkan and the Ohel Moed. Yehovah would put Him name there. When the Children of Yisrael brought offerings, they were to bring it to the designated place. They were to seek this place.
Initially, this was established in Yehoshua 18:1.
1 And the whole congregation of the Children of Yisrael assembled together at Shilo, and set up the Ohel of the Congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
The Tabernacle was established in Shilo when they initially possessed the land. This was where the Children of Yisrael were to bring their offerings. This lasted until the Ark was brought into battle against the Pelishtim, 1 Shemuel 4:10-11.
10 And the Pelishtim fought, and Yisrael was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent (ohel). And there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Yisrael thirty thousand footmen. 11 And the Ark of Redeemer was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Chofni and Pinechas, were slain.
The Pelishtim would move the Ark from city to city until the Pelishtim decided in 1 Shemuel 6:1-2.
1 And the Ark of Yehovah was in the country of the Pelishtim seven months. 2 And the Pelishtim called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the Ark of Yehovah? Tell us with what we shall send it to His place.
After 7 months, the Pelishtim decided that they had enough havoc and disease. They sent the Ark back to Yisrael, 1 Shemuel 6:21-7:1.
21 And they sent messengers (malak) to the inhabitants of Qiryat-Yearim, saying, The Pelishtim have brought again the Ark of Yehovah; come down, fetch it up to you. 1 And the men (enosh) of Qiryat-Yearim, and fetched up the Ark of Yehovah, and brought it into the house of Avinadav in the hill, and sanctified Elazar his son to keep the Ark of Yehovah.
This lasted until the misstep by Daviyd. They improperly moved the Ark. This resulted in the death of Uzzah, 2 Shemuel 6:8-13.
8 And Daviyd was displeased (charah), because Yehovah had made a breach upon Uzzah. And He called the name of the place Perez-Uzzah to this day. 9 And Daviyd was afraid of Yehovah that day, and said, How shall the Ark of Yehovah come to me? 10 So Daviyd would not remove the Ark of Yehovah to him into the city of Daviyd. But Daviyd carried it aside into the house of Oved-Edom the Gittite. 11 And the Ark of Yehovah continued in the house of Oved-Edom the Gitti three months and Yehovah blessed Oved-Edom, and all his household. 12 And it was told king Daviyd, saying, Yehovah has blessed the house of Oved-Edom, and all that to him, because of the Ark of the Redeemer. So Daviyd went and brought up the Ark of the Redeemer from the house of Oved-Edom into the city of Daviyd with gladness. 13 And it was, that when they that bare the Ark of Yehovah had gone six steps (tzaad), he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
The Ark was moved to the City of Daviyd, it would remain there until it was moved by Shelomo in 2 Divre Hayyamim 5:6-7.
6 Also king Shelomo, and all the congregation of Yisrael that were assembled to him before the Ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude. 7 And the priests brought in the Ark of the Covenant of Yehovah to His place, to the oracle (deviyr) of the house, into the Most Holy under the wings of the cherubims.
The Ark remained in the Temple until some unknown time in the future. Where it is located today is of much speculation. However, the greater possibility is that it does not exist in its former configuration or even on earth. Yirmeyahu tells us that in the future it will not be of concern, Yirmeyahu 3:15-17.
15 And I will give you shepherd (raah) according to My heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. 16 And it shall come to pass, when you be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says Yehovah, they shall say no more, the Ark of the Covenant of Yehovah. Neither shall it come to mind, neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit; neither shall be done any more. 17 At that time they shall call Yerushalayim the throne of Yehovah; and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of Yehovah, to Yerushalayim. Neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.
There is coming a day when no longer will we look to the Ark of the Covenant, all will look to Yehovah in Yerushalayim. Until then, we should not search nor vainly concern ourselves with it. Today, we look to Yerushalayim above, Galatians 4:26.
26 But Yerushalayim which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
We look above in the Spirit to where He is seated in the Throne Room of His glory. This is where His name is. We are to go there in the Spirit to bring our offerings in the Spirit.
Bring Our Offerings to Him
Bring Our Offerings to Him
Devarim 12:6
6 And there you shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and Heave Offerings (terumah) of your hand, and your vows, and your Freewill Offerings (nedavah), and the first born (bekor) of your herds and of your flocks.
The place that Yehovah chooses is where Yisrael is to bring all their offerings, sacrifices, vows and tithes. They were not allowed to do as the nations. Neither they nor us can do as we please. They were to take it to the set place that Yehovah would designate. This would be where the Ark of the Covenant would rest. One could not simply offer where it was convenient or man established. Yehovah has established everything in a set place and set time according to His pattern.
This same logic should prevail today. We are to worship Yehovah today according to the pattern He set forth in Scriptures. The Apostles wrote about this and it was what occurred in the First Century, Acts 2:42.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ Doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
In the First Century, the believers followed the Apostles’ Doctrine. This was something Yeshua handed down to His Apostles, Yochanan 17:20.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word (logos);
Why would we want to do anything else today? Yet today more people know their Church doctrine better that the Apostles’ Doctrine found in the Beriyt Chadasha.
Devarim 12:7
7 And there you shall eat before Yehovah your Redeemer, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, wherein Yehovah your Redeemer has blessed you.
When it states eat, it is referring to the offering that they would partake in.
This was the place where the Children of Yisrael were to rejoice in all that Yehovah had done for them. It was the place one could rejoice as Yehovah caused all they had done to prosper. It was something the whole household was to rejoice in.
When we come together today, we should rejoice in all that Yehovah has done for us. There should always be a reason to rejoice in His presence. And, there always will be if we do things according to His pattern.
Not After Our Hearts
Not After Our Hearts
Devarim 12:8
8 You shall not do after all that we do here this day, every man whatever right in his own eyes.
Moshe warns us all of an extremely important and often ignored principle of Scriptures. We are never to do what we think is right in our own heart. We are to painstakingly ensure that we do is what Yehovah would have us do. Yehovah actually gives us a fairly wide berth or boundaries we can operate within. We should endeavor to stay within these boundaries.
There are also statutes that are very prescriptive with little to no leeway. Many times people confuse what is optional and what is prescriptive. We must understand when there is leeway and when it is prescriptive. If we confuse the differences, there are consequences.
Devarim 12:9
9 For you are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you.
This is an important reminder, because this related to the troubles of the First Generation out of Mitzrayim. They were often driven to do what was right in their eyes. Such as Shemos 16:19-20.
19 And Moshe said, Let no man leave of it until the morning. 20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not to Moshe; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank. And Moshes was wroth (qatsaf) with them.
They disregarded the direction they were given and kept it until morning. They never trusted in the daily provision. They were not satisfied with sufficiency, because they did not have the faith to live day by day in Yehovah’s provision for them. It was no different than what happed at Qedesh-Barnea. At first, they refused to enter into the land. Later they were going to prove to Yehovah they were ready to enter into the land. They found out that it was too late.
We need to learn to do things according to the plan that Yehovah has laid out. We should not let our hearts rule us when Yehovah tells us otherwise.
When the Children of Yisrael took the possession of the land, this principle would ensure that they would prosper and remain in the land. We are to do things His way even today. We were warned in Mark 7:8-9.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and cups and many other such like things you do. 9 And He said to them, Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.
Often we prefer our traditions over the commandments of God. So much so, we develop our own committees to legitimize our preferences. After a while, the unknowing believers thinks the tradition is doctrine and Yehovah’s commandments are no longer necessary. We should be very careful not to fall into this trap.
Levitical Covering
Levitical Covering
Devarim 12:10-11
10 But you go over Yarden, and dwell in the land which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you dwell in safety; 11 Then there shall be a place which Yehovah your Redeemer shall choose to cause His name to dwell there; there shall you bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to Yehovah.
Choice is the Hebrew word מִבְחָר mivchar (H4005). It is in the Bible 12 times. It is translated choice 7 times, chosen 4 times and choicest 1 times. It refers to something that was examined and found to be the best or proven to be the best among others. מִבְחָר mivchar (H4005) should be rendered choice.
When the Children of Yisrael came into the land and were give rest from their enemies, then Yehovah would designate the place where His name would dwell. Again, this occurred in Yehoshua 18:1.
1 And the whole congregation of the Children of Yisrael assembled together at Shilo, and set up the Ohel of the Congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
This was the initial resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This was where they were to bring their offerings. This seems like a repeat of Devarim 12:5-6; however, in this Moshe tells them when this would occur. After they had rest from all their enemies. This occurred a little less than 6 years after they entered the land.
Devarim 12:12
12 And you shall rejoice before Yehovah your Redeemer, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that within your gates; forasmuch as he has no part nor inheritance with you.
Again Moshe tells them to rejoice before Yehovah. Although it may seem similar to Devarim 12:7, there are quite a few differences. Rather than just state household, it includes sons, daughters, menservants and maidservants. There is specific mention of the Levities within their territory. All these are a part of our household, even today.
Moshe reminds them that the Levite does not have an inheritance. When they rejoice the Levite is to rejoice with them.
Often the concept that is being expressed here is lost. When people think how they prosper, they isolate it to them and their relationship to Yehovah. However, it is the Levite that teaches the people how to conduct themselves. It is the Levite that provides the overall covering for the people, Bemidbar 18:1-5.
1 And Yehovah said to Aharon, You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary (miqdash). And you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. 2 And your brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, bring you with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you. But you and your sons with you before the Ohel of Testimony. 3 And they shall keep your charge (mishmeret), and the charge (mishmeret) of all the Ohel. Only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary (qodesh) and the Altar, that neither they, nor you also, die. 4 And they shall be joined to you, and keep the charge (mishmeret) of the Ohel of the Congregation, for all the service of the Ohel. And a stranger shall not come nigh to you. 5 And you shall keep the charge (mishmeret) of the sanctuary (qodesh), and the charge (mishmeret) of the Altar. That there be no wrath (qetsef) any more upon the Children of Yisrael.
It is the Levites who supported the priest class. These two together kept the wrath from the land. The work of the Levites was essential to ensuring that a covering was provided. Iyyov did the same thing for his children in Iyyov 1:4-5.
4 And his sons went and feasted houses, man (iysh) his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of feasting were gone about, that Iyyov sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings to the number of them all. For Iyyov said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Redeemer in their hearts. Thus did Iyyov all the days.
As Iyyov provided a covering for his children for unrepented sins, the Levites and Priests were to do this through the Tamiyd Offerings. Without the Levities, most would not prosper.
Today, it is the same. In the local assembly there are those fulfilling the duties that the Apostles did in the First Century, Acts 6:2.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
There must be one providing the covering for the congregation if it is to prosper. Their inheritance comes from Yehovah.
Today’s Burnt Offerings
Today’s Burnt Offerings
Devarim 12:13-14
13 Take heed to yourself that you offer not your Burnt Offerings in every place that you see. 14 But in the place which Yehovah shall choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you.
This cannot be repeated enough. Although it appears to be referring to Burnt Offerings at the Altar of Burnt Offerings, there is application for us today. However it is not referring to a future Temple.
For us, the Burnt Offerings being referred to is Romans 12:1.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, your reasonable service.
Today, we are to present ourselves as a Burnt Offering on the Spiritual Altar in the Heavenlies. However, we can only do this if we are an acceptable offering in the acceptable place. The acceptable place today is the altar in the Heavenlies in Galatians 4:26.
26 But Yerushalayim which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
We can only find this if we have made the walk from Salvation into the Kingdom of God in the Spirit. We must spiritually ascend Mount Zion that is in the Heavenlies. This all requires us being in the Sprit following the pattern that Moshe left us in Scriptures and applying it as Yeshua instructed the Apostles. This can only be found in the Apostles’ Doctrine.
In Our Gates
In Our Gates
Devarim 12:15
15 Notwithstanding you may kill and eat flesh in all your gates, whatever your soul desires (avvah), according to the blessing of Yehovah your Redeemer which He has given you. The unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck (avvah), and as of the ram (ayal).
Desires (formerly lusts after) comes from the Hebrew word אַוָּה avvah (H0185). It is in the Bible 7 times. אַוָּה avvah (H0185) is translated desire 3 times, lust after 3 times and pleasure 1 time. אַוָּה avvah (H0185) was translated “lust after” 3 times in Devarim 12 (12, 20, 21). It would have been more appropriate to translate it “desires” as this would more clearly fit the context of the Scripture. Lust is too strong of an emotion for the normal eating that is referred to in Devarim 12.
Roebuck is the Hebrew word צְבִי tzeviy (H6643). It is in the Bible 32 times. צְבִי tzeviy (H6643) is translated roe 9 times, roebuck 5 times, glory 8 times, glorious 6 times, beautiful 1 time, beauty 1 time, goodly 1 time and pleasant 1 time. There is some difference in opinion as to what this animal is. Regardless of the differences, it is an animal that is permissible by the requirements of Vayyiqra 11 and Devarim 14.
Ram (formerly hart) is the Hebrew word אַיָּל ayal (H0354). It is in the Bible 11 times and it is always translated hart in the KJV. Strong’s defines אַיָּל ayal (H0354) as a stag or male deer. אַיָּל ayal (H0354) is the intensive form of אַיִל aiyl (H0352).
אַיִל aiyl (H0352) is in the Bible 185 times. אַיִל aiyl (H0352) is translated ram(s) 156 times, post(s) 21 times, mighty (men) 4 times, trees 2 times, lintel 1 time and oaks 1 time. It represents a male sheep or ram. Many passages use אַיִל aiyl (H0352) as despots or mighty men. It seems odd that אַיִל aiyl (H0352) would be translated other than ram. However, since the Bible is figurative many times, it represents something strong and sometimes immovable. The English rendering of this word in the KJV and many other translations may not be appropriate. In several instances, אַיִל aiyl (H0352) should have been translated ram. Figuratively, this represents an individual that is strong and possibly immovable in their commitment. This could be either a follower of Yehovah or otherwise, a stubborn individual good or evil. The context would determine the intent of the person.
With this in mind, אַיָּל ayal (H0354) should not be translated male deer. In the context of the Bible, this rendering does not clarify the intent of the Author. A deer is not a sacrificial animal, as such in many cases the figurative meaning is lost. אַיָּל ayal (H0354) should have been translated ram (male) or just sheep. When studying the 11 Scriptures affected, this does not adversely affect the meaning. It actually provides clarity to the figurative meaning. Furthermore, this fits into the overall pattern of Scriptures. The rendering of ram (male) or simply sheep will be used throughout documents.
Devarim 12:15 is sometimes a tripping point for those who are starting to come into an understanding of Torah observance. It states that one may eat the unclean and the clean. This is not referring to the requirements of Vayyiqra 11 and Devarim 14, it is referring to the difference between an animal that is acceptable for sacrifice and one that is not. This Scripture allows the eating of animals that are blemished that would not otherwise be acceptable for an offering. This Scripture does not allow for strangled animals or those found dead. That is prohibited by Devarim 14:21.
21 You shall not eat any thing that dies of itself. You shall give it to the stranger that in your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to an alien. For you a holy people to Yehovah your Redeemer. You shall not boil (bashal) a kid in his mother’s milk.
Devarim 12:15 allows one to buy kosher meat for consumption that is not approved by a Rabbinical source. Blood can be removed from the meat by a process of kashering. As long as the following requirement is met.
Devarim 12:16
16 Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it upon the land as water.
At no time may the blood of the animal be eaten. This was a requirement from the time of Noach up to now. The Apostles reiterated this in Acts 15:20.
20 But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and fornication, and things strangled, and blood.
Blood is not allowable for any follower of the Bible. Although, many would like you to believe that this was written to appease the Yehudim believers, that is a misconception. Yeshua followed Torah and so did the early believers. It was those that came later, who drew believers away from the truth. These did not want to follow Torah as they were often tares or immature believers exercising dominion over others. Yeshua was very clear in Matityahu 5:17-18.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For amen I say to you, Until heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, until all be fulfilled.
It seems that all has not been fulfilled; therefore, Torah is still to be enforced today. This is why Yeshua went on to state in Matityahu 5:19.
19 Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever shall do and teach, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are to observe Torah and teach others to observe Torah. This brings glory to God. It was a prophecy of Messiah in Yeshayahu 42:21.
21 Yehovah is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify Torah, and make honorable.
Yeshua was to make Torah honorable by showing us the way to keep it. If you think otherwise, you may find yourself outside the Kingdom in the future.
Devarim 12:17-18
17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain (dagan), or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand. 18 But you must eat them before Yehovah your Redeemer in the place which Yehovah your Redeemer shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that within your gates. And you shall rejoice before Yehovah your God in all that you put your hands to.
Once again there is a repeat of a former commandment. This time it is in the negative sense. This clarifies that at no time may the tithe or any other offering be eaten within one’s gates. They are to be brought to the place that Yehovah designates. Again you, your son, daughter, manservant, maidservant and Levite are to rejoice in these. All that one has prospered.
Now the interesting thing is, many actually eat their tithes and offering in their gates today. They hold back their tithes and offering from Yehovah. This is being done literally and figuratively today. Many see no need to give to the place they are being spiritually feed. These individuals seem to always have financial issues or they are greedy, covetous of what they have. They do not trust in faith that Yehovah will provide. They are the ones that keep it until the morning.
Neither do they fully participate in the worship. Many sit back and worship by themselves. They are unwilling to share of themselves in a body of believers. We all need to learn to enter in with others. This is where we need to bring our spiritual offerings today. This is where Yehovah wants us to be, in a body sharing of ourselves openly.
Devarim 12:19
19 Take heed to yourself that you forsake not the Levite as long as you live upon the earth (adamah).
We are never to forsake the Levite. What makes this interesting is that the Hebrew word for earth is אֲדָמָה adamah (H0127) as opposed to the Hebrew word for land, אֶרֶץ eretz (H0776). This would infer that in the exile, the Yisraeli was to provide for the Levite.
Enlarge Our Borders
Enlarge Our Borders
Devarim 12:20-22
20 When Yehovah your God shall enlarge your border, as He has promised you, and you shall say, I will eat flesh, because your soul longs to eat flesh; you may eat flesh, whatever your soul desires (avvah) after. 21 If the place which Yehovah your Redeemer has chosen to put His name there be too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yehovah has given you, as I have commanded you, and you shall eat in your gates whatever your soul desires (avvah) after. 22 Even as the roebuck and the ram (ayal) is eaten, so you shall eat them. The unclean and the clean shall eat them alike.
Yisrael was to grow beyond its original borders. This did happen under the reign of Daviyd, but eventually this was overtaken. This passage is similar to what was stated above. This is referring to animals that are considered acceptable in accordance with Vayyiqra 11 and Devarim 14. These animals are not required to meet the standards for offerings.
Devarim 12:23-24
23 Only be sure that you eat not the blood. For the blood the life; and you may not eat the life with the flesh. 24 You shall not eat it; you shall pour it upon the land as water.
There will always be a prohibition against eating blood. This is not only a concern for health issues, it has a figurative concern too. Eating blood relates to sin. Those who figuratively eat blood cover sin. Only those Yehovah designates may figuratively eat sin. During Temple times, this was the priest that performed the appropriate offering. In the New Testament, it is Yeshua. There is also Yochanan 20:23.
23 Whose soever sins you remit, they are remitted to them; whose soever you retain, they are retained.
This may not be something all can do.
Devarim 12:25
25 You shall not eat it; that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, when you shall do right in the sight of Yehovah.
This is referring to the blood. Life is in the blood, Bereishis 9:4.
4 But flesh with the life thereof, the blood thereof, shall you not eat.
This should not come as a surprise to anyone. It was there prior to Mount Sinay and it remains today. However, it is disregarded by many. That in itself will never make it right. It will not go well for us if we continue to eat blood.
Devarim 12:26-27
26 Only your holy things which you have, and your vows, you shall take, and go to the place which Yehovah shall choose. 27 And you shall offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of Yehovah your God. And the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of Yehovah your God, and you shall eat the flesh.
Regardless how far away we are, we are to take all offerings and vows to where Yehovah has placed His name. We are not to construct Altars of Convenience. We should never do anything in the faith out of convenience. We are to do as He has told us in the word. Those who continue to do things out of convenience may not see the blessing they desire in life.
Devarim 12:28
28 Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you for ever, when you do good and right in the sight of Yehovah your Redeemer.
If we observe what is describe in Devarim 12 there is a blessing. As there are with all commandments and statutes. Simply, we are never to do offerings, vows and tithes in the place of our choosing. We are to go to the place Yehovah puts His name. That is the place where His Spirit resides.
Today there is a spiritually designated place. He has told us in Matityahu 18:20.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.
The important thing is to be gathered in His name. We know this when we flow in His Spirit in the assembly. We must pursue this by pursuing Matityahu 6:33.
33 But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
We must seek His Kingdom in His righteousness. We must do this with all our heart and all our soul.
There is nothing within Devarim 12 that is complicated. If one approaches Devarim 12 with an open mind and childlike faith, the Spirit will lead them into the understanding they need to comply with this in Spirit and Truth.
Nations Before You
Nations Before You
Devarim 12:29-30
29 When Yehovah your Redeemer shall cut off the nations from before you, whither you go to possess them, and you succeed them, and dwell in their land; 30 Take heed to yourself that you be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before you; and that you inquire not after their redeemers, saying, How did these nations serve their redeemers? Even so will I do likewise.
Moshe warns the Children of Yisrael when they destroy the false idols and images, they should not inquire about them. We do not need to understand how they worshiped. We should not inquire in any way. We only need to know how Yehovah would have us worship. That alone will keep us busy. We should not in any way think of these or leave anything in remembrance. We are to completely destroy all trace of them as if they never existed in the land. We are to erase all memory of them. If not, we could become drawn to it and unknowingly be trapped.
Our children should never know or see these idols. We should warn them to stay away. The best way to do this is to teach our children the truth. Then stay away from anything that is not of the truth.
Devarim 12:31
31 You shall not do so to Yehovah your Redeemer. For every abomination to Yehovah, which He hates, have they done to their redeemers; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their redeemers.
Yehovah detested what the nations did. We must be careful not to allow any of it to infect our worship today.
Unfortunately, the infection had already occurred. We need a severe cleansing. Much of what occurs in Christianity is based on worship from other than the Bible. The worst of it, the Bible is used to defend these practices. People are able to do this because so few study the Bible with any diligence. We must return to our roots.
Add or Diminish
Add or Diminish
Devarim 12:32
32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it. You shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
We are not to add nor diminish anything that Yehovah has commanded and Moshe has taught. If we would defend this one commandment, we would go a long ways to prospering in Yehovah and ensuring that things would go well for our children. To do this we must understand Moshe for ourselves. Yeshua is in agreement with understanding Moshe, Yochanan 5:46-47.
46 For had you believed Moshe, you would have believed Me. For he wrote of Me. 47 But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?
Understanding is essential to ensuring we do not act in a way that adds or takes aways from the word. Nothing in Torah is that complicated. We seem to makes it over complicated by not pursuing with all our heart and soul. We allow our emotions to rule our judgment. If we would follow the word with a broken spirit, Yehovah would lead us in the appropriate understanding. We must be patient and be willing to be in a community of like minded believers that are pursuing the word. An assembly that desires to worship Him as He desires.
We must be wary of those that would add or take away. Our best defense against these is to know the word and diligently purse the full understanding. We must always be open to learn and use the Scriptures as our boundaries in the Sprit and Truth. Staying in the righteous requirements He has established.
Return to Devarim (Deuteronomy)
Return to Books of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies