Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 12:20. It's a pretty serious and important passage about God’s relationship with humanity. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that when God decides to expand our borders – meaning, our territory – specifically to include the act of eating flesh as a way to satisfy our desires, it’s a significant shift in how we should live. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border…” - This means God is intentionally increasing our boundaries – growing our territory. It’s not just about expanding physically; it’s about extending our influence and control over a specific area. "...as he hath promised thee..." - This acknowledges that God has already made promises to us about this expansion. It's reassuring to know He has plans for us. “and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh…” – This is the part that’s causing concern. It means that if God decides to expand our borders and include eating flesh, we are obligated to do so. "...because thy soul longeth to eat flesh..." - This is key. It highlights that our own desires are driving this thought. We're not being asked to simply do something; we’re being urged to want it. It speaks to a fundamental human tendency – a desire for pleasure and satisfaction, even if it means compromising our values or principles. "...thy soul lusteth after..." - This reinforces that the desire is strong and consuming. It's not just a casual thought; it’s a deep, persistent longing. In essence, this verse warns against disobedience to God. It acknowledges that we might be tempted to do something that goes against God's will – to eat flesh – when our own desires are overwhelming. Important Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry (worshiping anything other than God). It’s suggesting we must always prioritize God’s will and remain faithful to Him, even when it's difficult. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute religious guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?