Deuteronomy 16:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 16:6
6 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 16 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, wisdom, judgment. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 16:6
6 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.
Analysis
Neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning. The Passover lamb must be completely consumed or burned before morning - no portion could remain. This ensured the sacrifice served its full purpose on the night of deliverance without corruption.
Prohibiting leftovers prevented the sacred sacrifice from becoming common. What was set apart for redemptive purpose must not be treated casually or allowed to spoil. This taught reverence for God's provision of atonement.
The complete consumption symbolized complete appropriation of redemption. Israel must fully receive and apply God's deliverance, not partially participate while retaining elements of the old life.
Christ as our Passover provides complete atonement that must be fully appropriated by faith. Partial acceptance of His work is insufficient - believers must completely trust His sacrifice and fully identify with His death and resurrection.
Historical Context
Exodus 12:10 similarly commanded burning any remaining lamb portions by morning. This prevented profaning the sacred sacrifice through decomposition or inappropriate use of consecrated meat.
The requirement that the lamb be consumed in single night by households or groups prevented individual families from being too small to fully utilize the sacrifice, promoting community participation in redemption.
Reflection
- What does complete consumption of the sacrifice teach about appropriating redemption?
- How does preventing leftovers demonstrate proper reverence for sacred things?
- Why must redemption be fully received rather than partially accepted?
- How does this principle apply to complete trust in Christ's atoning sacrifice?
- What dangers exist in treating sacred things casually or commonly?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 12:5