Deuteronomy 16:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 16:2
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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 16 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, truth, prayer. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 16:2
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 12:5
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 12:26