Deuteronomy 17:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 17:1
1 Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 17 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, worship. 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
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 17:1
1 Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Analysis
Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish (מוּם, mum)—a defect, flaw, or physical imperfection. Leviticus 22:20-25 elaborates: lameness, blindness, broken bones all disqualify. The Hebrew any evilfavouredness (דָּבָר רָע, davar ra) means 'any bad thing'—even minor flaws.
Why such strictness? Because that is an abomination (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah) unto the LORD. Offering defective animals insults God's holiness and reveals contempt, not worship. Malachi 1:8, 13-14 condemns this exact sin: offering blind, lame, sick animals while keeping healthy ones. The principle: God deserves our best, not our leftovers. Christ fulfilled this as the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern sacrificial systems often accepted blemished animals—worshipers kept the best livestock for themselves. Israel's law demanded the opposite: firstborn males, unblemished offerings. This distinguished Yahweh-worship from pagan pragmatism. Post-exilic Judah violated this (Malachi 1), contributing to spiritual decline.
Reflection
- What 'blemished offerings' might you be giving God—leftover time, minimal effort, second-best resources?
- How does Christ as the unblemished sacrifice redefine what you owe God in worship and obedience?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 23:18, 24:4
- Sacrifice: Deuteronomy 15:21, Malachi 1:8