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Deuteronomy 16

22 verses

TL;DR

Deuteronomy 16 outlines Israel’s key festivals—Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles—along with legal and social instructions for worship, justice, and community life.

Summary

In Deuteronomy 16, Moses commands the Israelites to observe the Passover in the month of Abib, specifying the use of unleavened bread and the prohibition of leavened products for seven days. He then prescribes the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and the Feast of Tabernacles, detailing how to count the weeks, give offerings, and celebrate with all classes of people. The chapter emphasizes that all men must appear before God in these festivals, each giving according to their ability. It also sets out civil regulations, including the appointment of judges and officers, the requirement of impartial judgment, and prohibitions against planting trees near the altar or erecting images. The laws are framed as a means to maintain holiness, justice, and the covenant relationship with God.

Outline
  1. Observance of the three major festivals and related rituals
  2. Legal directives for civil justice and societal conduct
  3. Prohibitions against idolatry and practices that undermine worship
Themes
Covenant faithfulnessJudicial justiceHoliness and separation from idolatry
Keywords
Passoverunleavened breadFeast of WeeksFeast of Tabernaclesfreely given offeringsjudgesjusticeidolatrymonotheism
People
Places
Abibthe place where the LORD shall choose to place His namethe gatesEgyptthe tents
Things
Passoverunleavened breadFeast of Weeks (Pentecost)Feast of Tabernaclesfreely given offeringsjudgesofficersgrove of treesimage
Key Verses
  • Deuteronomy 16:1: Introduces the Passover as a covenantal reminder of the Exodus
  • Deuteronomy 16:3: Stresses the prohibition of leavened bread to commemorate the haste of the Exodus
  • Deuteronomy 16:10: Mandates offering during the Feast of Weeks, linking abundance to gratitude
  • Deuteronomy 16:18: Commands the establishment of judges, emphasizing the importance of justice
  • Deuteronomy 16:22: Prohibits images, underscoring the monotheistic core of Israelite worship
Questions
  • What does the prohibition of leavened bread reveal about Israel’s identity as a covenant people?
  • How do the legal instructions for judges reflect the broader themes of justice and equality?
  • In what ways do the festivals serve as communal reminders of God’s faithfulness?
  • Why might Moses emphasize the participation of all social groups in the festivals?
  • How does the prohibition against images connect to the overarching message of the covenant?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter provides instructive laws and reminders without overt emotional tone.