Deuteronomy 15:20
Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.
Original Language Analysis
לִפְנֵי֩
it before
H6440
לִפְנֵי֩
it before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
1 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֤יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֤יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּמָּק֖וֹם
in the place
H4725
בַּמָּק֖וֹם
in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִבְחַ֣ר
shall choose
H977
יִבְחַ֣ר
shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:17Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:Deuteronomy 14:23And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
Historical Context
Three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) brought families to Jerusalem with their firstborn offerings. These gatherings strengthened national identity, renewed covenant commitment, and created shared memories across generations, cementing Israel's unity despite tribal divisions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular, corporate worship ('year by year') shape your covenant identity more than sporadic private devotion?
- What does the firstborn meal (combining sacrifice and celebration) teach about the Lord's Supper?
- In what ways do you prioritize gathered worship rather than treating it as optional or inconvenient?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household—The firstborn animal becomes a covenant meal, eaten at the central sanctuary. Worship combines sacrifice (the animal dies) and celebration (the family feasts). This dual nature foreshadows the Lord's Supper: This is my body, which is given for you (Luke 22:19)—Christ's death enables our fellowship feast.
Year by year emphasizes regularity—covenant worship is rhythmic, not sporadic. The annual pilgrimage to the place which the LORD shall choose (Jerusalem, Deuteronomy 12:5) unified Israel, preventing tribal fragmentation. Modern application: corporate worship isn't optional but essential. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25)—gathered worship sustains covenant identity.