Deuteronomy - Chapter 16

Deuteronomy 16.1 Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. Deuteronomy 16.2 Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there. Deuteronomy 16.3 Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life. Deuteronomy 16.4 And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning. Deuteronomy 16.5 Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee: Deuteronomy 16.6 But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt. Deuteronomy 16.7 And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents. Deuteronomy 16.8 Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein. Deuteronomy 16.9 Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn. Deuteronomy 16.10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Deuteronomy 16.11 And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there. Deuteronomy 16.12 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes. Deuteronomy 16.13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: Deuteronomy 16.14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. Deuteronomy 16.15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice. Deuteronomy 16.16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: Deuteronomy 16.17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16.18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Deuteronomy 16.19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. Deuteronomy 16.20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 16.21 Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee. Deuteronomy 16.22 Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.

Deuteronomy : Chapter 16

The Celebration of the Feasts in Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy chapter 16 invites us to reflect on the importance of the feasts in the spiritual life of the people of Israel. This foundational text offers us a perspective on how the religious calendar shapes not only rituals, but also collective memory and gratitude to God.

The Observance of the Feasts

This chapter highlights the observance of three major feasts: the Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these celebrations has a special meaning and underscores the importance of communal joy and gratitude to the Creator.

Collective Memory and Communal Joy

Deuteronomy 16 reminds us that these festivals are not mere rituals, but occasions to gather as a community, share memories, and celebrate God's goodness. They strengthen bonds among people and allow them to experience moments of spiritual joy together.

The Administration of Justice

In addition to celebrating the festivals, this chapter also addresses themes related to the administration of justice, emphasizing that justice and celebration are intimately linked in the life of a believer. A just society is one where we can celebrate with a free and grateful heart.

Exploring Bible Passages

To better understand the key themes of this festive chapter, let's examine five biblical passages that highlight the importance of festivals in the Christian tradition.

Exodus 23:14-17

"Three times a year you shall keep a feast to me. [...] Three times a year all men must appear before the Sovereign Lord." This passage establishes the three main feasts mentioned in Deuteronomy 16, illustrating the continuity of the Mosaic Law.

2 Chronicles 8:13

"As the daily order required, he offered them according to the commandment of Moses for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, and for the three annual feasts." This verse demonstrates how the feasts were observed during the reign of Solomon, testifying to their continuing importance in Israel's history.

John 7:2, 37

"The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was approaching [...] Jesus stood up and said with a loud voice, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.'" Here, Jesus participates in the Feast of Tabernacles, demonstrating the continuing relevance of these celebrations in the New Testament.

Acts 2:1

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all gathered together in one place." Pentecost, which corresponds to the Feast of Weeks, became a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church, highlighting the impact of feasts on the lives of the first Christians.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8

"Put away the old leaven [...] Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with the old leaven, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." In this passage, Paul refers to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, giving it Christological significance and a call to spiritual purity.

Conclusion

The feasts described in Deuteronomy and illustrated in other biblical passages are much more than ancient traditions; they are sacred occasions for renewal, remembrance, and communion with God. By celebrating them, we honor our spiritual heritage and strengthen our community faith.