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.
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת
Six
H8337
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת
Six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
1 of 12
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
H3117
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מַצּ֑וֹת
unleavened bread
H4682
מַצּ֑וֹת
unleavened bread
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
H3117
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עֲצֶ֙רֶת֙
shall be a solemn assembly
H6116
עֲצֶ֙רֶת֙
shall be a solemn assembly
Strong's:
H6116
Word #:
7 of 12
an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
to the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 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
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Jerusalem eventually became the permanent location where God placed His name when Solomon built the temple. For nearly a thousand years, Jews made pilgrimage there for Passover until Rome destroyed the temple in AD 70.
Jesus' death at Passover fulfilled the feast's typology, transforming the memorial from annual ritual to accomplished fact remembered through the Lord's Supper.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's specification of location, timing, and season teach about worship precision?
- How does the concept of God placing His name somewhere indicate special presence?
- Why is historical accuracy important in memorial observances?
- What is the regulative principle of worship, and how does this passage support it?
- How does Christ's death at Passover transform our understanding of the feast?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Triple emphasis specifies the exact location (where God chooses), timing (evening/sunset), and season (anniversary of exodus). This precision demonstrates God's concern for proper worship according to His revealed will.
The phrase to place his name in indicates special divine presence and ownership. God's name represents His character and authority - where He places His name, He manifests His presence. The sanctuary was not mere human construction but the place where heaven met earth.
Sunset timing commemorated the actual hour of exodus - Israel left Egypt at night after the death of the firstborn. Annual observance at the precise anniversary maintained historical continuity between past deliverance and present memorial.
Reformed theology emphasizes the regulative principle of worship - God prescribes how He will be worshiped, and humans must not presume to innovate worship forms. We approach God on His terms, not our preferences.