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.
Original Language Analysis
וְזָבַ֥חְתָּ
Thou shalt therefore sacrifice
H2076
וְזָבַ֥חְתָּ
Thou shalt therefore sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
1 of 13
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
פֶּ֛סַח
the passover
H6453
פֶּ֛סַח
the passover
Strong's:
H6453
Word #:
2 of 13
a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 13
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
צֹ֣אן
of the flock
H6629
צֹ֣אן
of the flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
5 of 13
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וּבָקָ֑ר
and the herd
H1241
וּבָקָ֑ר
and the herd
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
6 of 13
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
בַּמָּקוֹם֙
in the place
H4725
בַּמָּקוֹם֙
in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
7 of 13
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 13
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 13
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן
to place
H7931
לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן
to place
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
11 of 13
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:5But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:Deuteronomy 12:26Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:
Historical Context
Initially, Passover could be observed in individual homes (Exodus 12). Deuteronomy's centralization requirement mandated observance at the central sanctuary once Israel settled in Canaan. This promoted national unity and prevented syncretistic worship at local shrines.
Jerusalem became the permanent location where God placed His name when Solomon built the temple. Jews traveled there for Passover throughout biblical history.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the requirement of blood sacrifice teach about the cost of redemption?
- Why did God centralize worship rather than permitting local observance?
- How does God's choice of specific worship location demonstrate His sovereignty over proper worship?
- What dangers does unauthorized worship at human-chosen locations present?
- How does Old Testament centralized worship relate to New Testament worship in spirit and truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Passover required blood sacrifice, foreshadowing that redemption necessitates substitutionary death. The lamb dies so the firstborn lives - this is the gospel in type.
Specification of the flock and the herd likely refers to the Passover lamb plus additional peace offerings during the festival week. The central Passover sacrifice came from the flock (sheep or goats), while additional offerings could include cattle.
The phrase in the place which the LORD shall choose centralizes worship at the tabernacle (later temple). This prevented proliferation of unauthorized shrines and maintained purity of worship according to God's prescribed pattern. True worship occurs where and how God designates, not according to human preference.
God's choosing to place his name there indicates His special presence and ownership. The sanctuary was not generic sacred space but the specific location where God manifested Himself to His people.