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.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁבְעָ֖ה
Seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֖ה
Seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
1 of 11
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
שָֽׁבֻעֽוֹת׃
weeks
H7620
שָֽׁבֻעֽוֹת׃
weeks
Strong's:
H7620
Word #:
2 of 11
literally, sevened, i.e., a week (specifically, of years)
לִסְפֹּ֔ר
shalt thou number
H5608
לִסְפֹּ֔ר
shalt thou number
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
תָּחֵ֣ל
from such time as thou beginnest
H2490
תָּחֵ֣ל
from such time as thou beginnest
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
תָּחֵ֣ל
from such time as thou beginnest
H2490
תָּחֵ֣ל
from such time as thou beginnest
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
לִסְפֹּ֔ר
shalt thou number
H5608
לִסְפֹּ֔ר
shalt thou number
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
Cross References
Exodus 23:16And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.Exodus 34:22And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.Acts 2:1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Historical Context
Roasting the lamb whole on a spit replicated exodus night preparation when haste prevented boiling or elaborate cooking. This method became distinctly associated with Passover, distinguishing it from other sacrificial meals.
The central sanctuary provided accommodations for pilgrims during festivals. Many camped around Jerusalem during Passover week, creating large gatherings for worship and celebration.
Questions for Reflection
- Why was maintaining consistency with original exodus observance important?
- How does eating at the sanctuary promote worship fellowship beyond mere ritual?
- What does the balance between required observance and normal life teach about God's commands?
- How do worship requirements demonstrate God's wisdom without being burdensome?
- Why is it significant that Passover observance replicated the original exodus night preparations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. The roasting method (not boiling) preserved Passover's original form from the exodus night. Consistency in observance maintained connection across generations to the foundational deliverance event.
Eating in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose required remaining at the sanctuary for the feast rather than immediately returning home. This promoted extended worship fellowship and prevented treating Passover as mere ritual to be quickly completed.
The permission to turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents indicates the feast lasted into the night but did not require prolonged stay beyond the observance itself. God's commands are reasonable, not burdensome - requiring what is necessary for proper worship without unnecessary prolongation.
This balance between required observance and permitted return home demonstrates God's wisdom - maintaining worship standards while allowing normal life to resume.