Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 12:15. It's a really important verse that sets the stage for the laws God is about to give us regarding how we should treat animals – specifically, what we can and cannot eat. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God has given us the right to use animals for food, but with some important rules. It’s about respecting God’s authority and being responsible in how we handle them. Let's break it down word by word: “Deuteronomy 12:15” : This is the name of the book – a law book given to Moses. It’s a set of rules for the Israelites, who were about to leave Egypt and enter into a new life in Canaan (the land God promised). “Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh…” : This is the first part of the rule. It means you are allowed to kill and eat animals , but only under specific conditions. It's a permission, not a command to do so freely. "...according to the blessing of the LORD thy God..." : This is crucial. It’s saying that this allowance comes because God has blessed us with the power to use animals. He’s giving us a special permission from Him. “…which he hath given thee…” : God is granting us this permission. He's providing it as a gift. “the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.” : This is where it gets more detailed about how we should treat animals. It compares different types of animals: The roebuck and the hart: These are examples of animals that are considered unclean – they have been sacrificed or used in ways that God considers undesirable. They are allowed to be eaten, but with a degree of restriction. As of the roebuck, and as of the hart: This means that these animals can be eaten, but only in a way that is respectful and mindful of the divine authority. It’s about treating them with care and consideration. In essence, the verse says that God has given us the right to use animals for food, but we must do so responsibly and with respect, remembering that we are dealing with a gift from Him. What does this mean for us today? This verse is about humility and responsibility . It reminds us: We’re stewards of God's creation: We have a duty to care for the animals we use. God’s authority matters: We should honor His law and not take things for granted. Respect is key: Treating animals with kindness and consideration is important, even when consuming them. Important Note: This passage isn't about why God gave us the right to eat animals. It’s about the how . It's a foundational principle that guides our relationship with all life. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?