Deuteronomy 15:22

Eat it within your gates; both the ceremonially unclean and clean may eat it as they would a gazelle or a deer.

Study Bible

Eat it within your gates;
This phrase refers to the consumption of certain offerings that were not to be taken to the central sanctuary but could be eaten in the towns where the Israelites lived. The "gates" symbolize the cities or towns, indicating that these offerings were to be consumed locally. This reflects the practical aspect of the law, allowing for the consumption of meat without the need for a pilgrimage to the central place of worship. It highlights the communal aspect of life in ancient Israel, where city gates were central to social and economic life.

both the ceremonially unclean and clean may eat it
This provision is significant because it breaks from the usual restrictions regarding ceremonial cleanliness. Typically, those who were ceremonially unclean were restricted from participating in certain religious activities or consuming certain foods. Here, the law makes an exception, emphasizing the inclusivity of this particular consumption. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament teaching where the barriers between clean and unclean are broken down, as seen in Acts 10:15, where Peter is told, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

as they would a gazelle or a deer.
Gazelles and deer were considered clean animals according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11:1-8), and they were commonly hunted and consumed by the Israelites. By comparing the consumption of these offerings to eating gazelle or deer, the text underscores the normalcy and acceptability of eating these offerings in a non-ritualistic context. This comparison also highlights the distinction between sacrificial offerings, which had specific regulations, and non-sacrificial meat, which could be eaten more freely. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's provision and the enjoyment of His creation, as well as the idea that not all aspects of life are bound by ritual law.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The audience receiving the laws and instructions from Moses.

3. Promised Land
The land where the Israelites are to settle and follow these laws.

4. Gazelle and Deer
Animals mentioned as examples of clean animals that can be eaten by both clean and unclean people.

5. Gates
Refers to the cities or towns where the Israelites live, indicating that the consumption of the meat is to occur within their communities.

Teaching Points

Inclusivity in Community
The verse highlights that both the clean and unclean can partake in the meal, symbolizing inclusivity within the community of believers.

Understanding Clean and Unclean
The distinction between clean and unclean is significant in the Old Testament, but it also points to the deeper spiritual purity God desires from His people.

Practicality of God's Laws
God's laws were designed to be practical and applicable to daily life, ensuring that all members of the community could participate in communal meals.

Symbolism of Gates
Eating within the gates symbolizes the importance of community and fellowship among God's people.

New Testament Fulfillment
While the Old Testament laws were specific to Israel, the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these laws in Christ, who declared all foods clean.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inclusion of both clean and unclean people in the consumption of the meat reflect God's heart for community?

2. In what ways do the dietary laws in Deuteronomy point to a deeper spiritual truth about purity and holiness?

3. How can we apply the principle of inclusivity in our modern Christian communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from the practical nature of God's laws in Deuteronomy for our daily lives today?

5. How does the New Testament teaching on clean and unclean foods (e.g., Acts 10) change our understanding of Old Testament dietary laws?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Provides detailed laws on clean and unclean animals, offering context to the dietary laws mentioned in Deuteronomy.

Acts 10
Peter's vision about clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions in the New Testament.

1 Corinthians 8
Discusses the consumption of food offered to idols, emphasizing the importance of conscience and community in dietary practices.