Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread 1Observe the month of Abiba and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. 2You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name. 3You must not eat leavened bread with it; for seven days you are to eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt. 4No leaven is to be found in all your land for seven days, and none of the meat you sacrifice in the evening of the first day shall remain until morning. 5You are not to sacrifice the Passover animal in any of the towns that the LORD your God is giving you. 6You must only offer the Passover sacrifice at the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name. Do this in the evening as the sun sets, at the same time you departed from Egypt. 7And you shall roast it and eat it in the place the LORD your God will choose, and in the morning you shall return to your tents. 8For six days you must eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day you shall hold a solemn assembly to the LORD your God, and you must not do any work. The Feast of Weeks 9You are to count off seven weeks from the time you first put the sickle to the standing grain. 10And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeksb to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you, 11and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. 12Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and carefully follow these statutes. The Feast of Tabernacles 13You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernaclesc for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. 14And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. 15For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete. 16Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread,d the Feast of Weeks,e and the Feast of Tabernacles.f No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. 17Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Judges and Justice 18You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. 19Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 20Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Forbidden Forms of Worship 21Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole next to the altar you will build for the LORD your God, 22and do not set up for yourselves a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates. Footnotes: 1 a Abib was the first month of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of March and April; twice in this verse. 10 b That is, Shavuot; see footnotes for verse 16. 13 c Or Booths or Shelters; see footnotes for verse 16. 16 d That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten; see Exodus 12:14–20. 16 e That is, Shavuot, the late spring feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it is also known as the Feast of Harvest (see Exodus 23:16) or the Feast of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1). 16 f That is, Sukkot, the autumn feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; also translated as the Feast of Booths or the Feast of Shelters and originally called the Feast of Ingathering (see Exodus 23:16 and Exodus 34:22). Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Deuteronomy 16 Summary Passover and FeastsVerses 1–8 – The Passover and Unleavened Bread Verses 9–12 – The Feast of Weeks Verses 13–17 – The Feast of Tabernacles Verses 18–20 – Judges and Justice Verses 21–22 – Forbidden Forms of Worship Deuteronomy 16 unfolds as a directive from God, delivered through Moses, emphasizing the importance of celebrating key feasts and establishing righteous judgment in the community. The chapter reiterates the significance of commemorating historical events, instituting fair governance, and abstaining from idolatry. The Three Pilgrimage Feasts in Israel’s Calendar • Month 1 (Abib/Nisan): Passover + Unleavened Bread—commemorates deliverance (Exodus 12). • Month 3/4 (Sivan): Feast of Weeks—celebrates first harvest; later called Pentecost (Acts 2). • Month 7 (Tishri): Feast of Tabernacles—celebrates final harvest and God’s sheltering care (Leviticus 23:34–43). All three require national gathering at a central sanctuary, reinforcing unity and shared memory. Historical Background of the Passover The lamb recalls Exodus 12, where blood on doorposts shielded Israel’s homes. Slaughter “at twilight” (v. 6) matched the Exodus timing. By Jesus’ day, all lambs were slain in Jerusalem’s temple precincts, echoing Deuteronomy’s “place the LORD chooses.” The New Testament identifies Christ as that Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). Bread of Affliction—Removing the Leaven Leaven often pictures permeating influence (Matthew 16:6). Clearing houses of yeast (Exodus 12:15) was a yearly reminder to cast off old habits. Paul applies the image spiritually: “Let us keep the feast … with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8). Feast of Weeks—Harvest Gratitude and Covenant Memory The offering is “a freewill gift” (v. 10), highlighting personal generosity. Counting seven sevens (Leviticus 23:15–16) invites the nation to savor anticipation. In Acts 2 the Spirit descends on this very day, initiating a harvest of souls (Acts 2:41). The mention of servants, foreigners, orphans, and widows (v. 11) broadens the circle of blessing, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable. Feast of Tabernacles—Joy in Temporary Shelters Living in booths recalls the wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:42–43). The festival calls for “complete joy” (v. 15). Zechariah 14:16–19 foresees all nations celebrating this feast in the messianic age, tying joy, provision, and global worship together. Centralization of Worship—“The Place the LORD Chooses” Deuteronomy repeats this phrase (vv. 2, 6, 7, 11, 15). Initially that place was Shiloh (Joshua 18:1), later Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17). Central worship guarded purity, preventing local shrines from drifting toward Canaanite practices. Archaeological surveys at sites like Tel Shiloh reveal large installations suitable for national gatherings, including a flat area many identify as the tabernacle platform. Judges in the City Gates—Civic Life in Ancient Israel City gates functioned as courts (Ruth 4:1–11). Tablets from Ugarit and Mari show similar gate assemblies in neighboring cultures. Deuteronomy’s call for impartiality (v. 19) contrasts with widespread corruption attested in ancient legal texts, underscoring Israel’s distinct ethic. “Justice, and Only Justice” (v. 20) The doubled Hebrew word intensifies the command. Bribes “blind the eyes of the wise” (v. 19)—a principle echoed in Proverbs 17:23. Isaiah later condemns leaders who “turn aside the needy at the gate” (Isaiah 10:2). God’s people are to mirror His fairness. Asherah Poles and Sacred Stones—Canaanite Counterfeits Archaeologists have unearthed wooden post-holes and standing stones (masseboth) at Canaanite sites such as Gezer and Megiddo. Inscriptions link Asherah with fertility rites. Israel is forbidden even to plant a tree beside God’s altar, separating true worship from sensual cults (compare 2 Kings 23:6). Economic Wisdom in Offerings No one appears “empty-handed” (v. 16). Instead, gifts scale with God’s provision—a principle that balances equality and generosity (2 Corinthians 8:12–14). The feasts redistribute produce to Levites and the needy, creating a built-in social safety net (Deuteronomy 14:28–29). Foreshadowing of Christ and the Gospel • Passover: Jesus’ crucifixion occurs on Passover; His blood covers sin (Luke 22:7–20). • Unleavened Bread: His sinless body laid in the tomb; believers called to purity (1 Peter 2:22). • Firstfruits (part of Weeks): Jesus rises as “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Feast of Weeks/Pentecost: Spirit poured out, first harvest of the church. • Tabernacles: Anticipates ultimate dwelling with God—“the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14) and Revelation 21:3’s promise of God’s dwelling with humanity. Archaeological Echoes • Lamb Bone Deposits at Jerusalem’s Kidron Valley show mass Passover slaughter in Second Temple times. • Olive-press and winepress installations near Judean villages date to Iron Age II, matching agricultural rhythms of Weeks and Tabernacles. • Gate complexes at Lachish and Beersheba feature benches and podiums consistent with judicial gatherings, illustrating verses 18–20 in stone. Literary Flow of Deuteronomy 16 1. Worship festivals (vv. 1–17) 2. Civic justice (vv. 18–20) 3. Purity in worship forms (vv. 21–22) The structure moves from sacred time, to social order, to sacred space—showing how every aspect of life is meant to honor the LORD. Living Application Celebrations root identity, justice guards community, and purity preserves devotion. Together, Deuteronomy 16 calls believers to remember redemption, rejoice in God’s provision, treat neighbors fairly, and worship God alone. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 12:1-14The original institution of the Passover. Acts 2:1-4 The fulfillment of the Feast of Weeks at Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit. John 7:37-39 Jesus' teaching during the Feast of Tabernacles, offering living water. Micah 6:8 A call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Teaching Points The Passover (Deuteronomy 16:1-8)The Passover is a commemoration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, highlighting God's power and faithfulness. It is to be observed in the month of Abib, marking the beginning of the Jewish religious calendar. The sacrifice must be made at the place God chooses, emphasizing the importance of worshiping according to God's instructions. The Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9-12) Also known as Pentecost, this feast occurs seven weeks after the first harvest. It is a time of rejoicing and giving thanks for God's provision. The inclusion of servants, foreigners, orphans, and widows in the celebration underscores God's heart for community and compassion. The Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:13-17) This feast is a celebration of the harvest and a reminder of Israel's wilderness journey. It is a time of joy and gratitude, lasting seven days. All males are required to appear before the Lord, signifying the importance of communal worship and accountability. Justice and Worship (Deuteronomy 16:18-22) The appointment of judges and officials is commanded to ensure justice and righteousness in the land. The prohibition against idolatry and the setting up of sacred stones or Asherah poles highlights the need for pure worship. Practical Applications Remember and Celebrate God's FaithfulnessRegularly set aside time to reflect on and celebrate God's work in your life. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude Practice gratitude by acknowledging God's provision and sharing your blessings with others, especially those in need. Pursue Justice and Righteousness Engage in actions and decisions that promote justice and reflect God's character in your community. Worship in Spirit and Truth Ensure that your worship is aligned with God's Word, free from idolatry and distractions. People 1. The LORD your GodThe central figure in the chapter, God is the one who commands the observance of the feasts. The Hebrew term used is "YHWH Elohecha," emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. 2. The Israelites The recipients of the instructions, the Israelites are commanded to observe the feasts as a remembrance of their deliverance from Egypt and as a celebration of God's provision. 3. The Priests and Levites While not explicitly named in this chapter, they are implied as the religious leaders responsible for overseeing the sacrifices and rituals associated with the feasts. 4. Your sons and daughters The family members of the Israelites who are to participate in the celebrations, highlighting the communal and familial nature of the feasts. 5. Your male and female servants Those who serve in the households of the Israelites, included in the celebrations, reflecting the inclusive nature of the community. 6. The Levite within your gates Specifically mentioned as a group to be included in the celebrations, the Levites had no inheritance of land and relied on the community for support. 7. The foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow These groups are repeatedly mentioned as those who should be included in the celebrations, emphasizing social justice and care for the marginalized. Places 1. EgyptDeuteronomy 16:1 refers to Egypt as the place from which the Israelites were delivered. The verse states, "Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night." The Hebrew root for Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which is often associated with the idea of a narrow or constrained place, symbolizing the bondage from which the Israelites were freed. 2. The Place the LORD Will Choose This phrase appears multiple times in Deuteronomy 16 (verses 2, 6, 7, 11, 15, and 16) and refers to the specific location where God would choose to establish His name and where the Israelites were to bring their sacrifices and offerings. The exact location is not named in this chapter, but it is understood to be Jerusalem, where the Temple was eventually built. The Hebrew word for "choose" is "בָּחַר" (bachar), indicating a deliberate selection by God. Events 1. Observe the Month of Abib"Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night." (Deuteronomy 16:1) The Hebrew word "Abib" (אָבִיב) refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of the barley harvest and the time of the Exodus. 2. Celebrate the Passover "You are to offer the Passover sacrifice to the LORD your God from the herd or flock at the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name." (Deuteronomy 16:2) The Passover (פֶּסַח, Pesach) commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and obedience. 3. Eat Unleavened Bread "For seven days you must eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt." (Deuteronomy 16:3) Unleavened bread (מַצּוֹת, Matzot) symbolizes the haste of the Exodus and the purity required in worship. 4. No Leaven to Be Seen "No yeast is to be found in all your land for seven days, and none of the meat you sacrifice on the evening of the first day shall remain until morning." (Deuteronomy 16:4) The absence of leaven (שְׂאֹר, Se'or) signifies the removal of sin and corruption. 5. Sacrifice at the Chosen Place "You are not to sacrifice the Passover animal in any of the towns the LORD your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 16:5) The centralization of worship at a designated place underscores the unity and holiness of the community. 6. Celebrate the Feast of Weeks "You are to count off seven weeks from the time you first put the sickle to the standing grain." (Deuteronomy 16:9) Known as Shavuot (שָׁבוּעוֹת), this feast marks the completion of the grain harvest and the giving of the Torah. 7. Rejoice Before the LORD "And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, the Levite within your gates, and the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow among you." (Deuteronomy 16:11) The command to rejoice (שָׂמַח, Samach) emphasizes communal joy and inclusivity in worship. 8. Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles "You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress." (Deuteronomy 16:13) Also known as Sukkot (סֻכּוֹת), this feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness journey and God's provision. 9. Three Annual Pilgrimage Festivals "Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles." (Deuteronomy 16:16) These pilgrimage festivals (שָׁלוֹשׁ רְגָלִים, Shalosh Regalim) highlight the rhythm of worship and the covenant relationship with God. 10. Bring Offerings According to Blessings "No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:16-17) The principle of giving (נָתַן, Natan) reflects gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. Topics 1. The Passover (Pesach) ObservanceDeuteronomy 16:1-8 discusses the observance of the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew term "Pesach" (פֶּסַח) refers to the "passing over" of the houses of the Israelites during the final plague. The passage emphasizes the importance of remembering this event by sacrificing the Passover lamb and eating unleavened bread for seven days. 2. The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) Verses 9-12 describe the Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot, which occurs seven weeks after the beginning of the grain harvest. This festival is a time of rejoicing and giving thanks for the harvest. The Hebrew word "Shavuot" (שָׁבוּעוֹת) means "weeks," highlighting the counting of seven weeks from Passover. 3. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) In verses 13-17, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is outlined. This festival is a time of joy and celebration, marking the end of the harvest season. The Hebrew term "Sukkot" (סֻכּוֹת) refers to "booths" or "tabernacles," temporary structures that remind the Israelites of their time in the wilderness. 4. Justice and Appointing Judges Verses 18-20 focus on the appointment of judges and officials in every town to ensure justice. The Hebrew word "mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט) is used for "justice," emphasizing the need for fair and righteous judgment. The passage underscores the importance of impartiality and integrity in leadership. Each of these topics highlights key aspects of Israelite worship and governance, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. Themes 1. Observance of the PassoverDeuteronomy 16:1-8 emphasizes the importance of observing the Passover, a key event commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew term "Pesach" (פֶּסַח) signifies the "passing over" of the Israelites' homes during the final plague. This theme underscores obedience to God's commands and remembrance of His salvation. 2. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) Verses 9-12 describe the Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot, which occurs seven weeks after the beginning of the grain harvest. This festival is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and a reminder of God's provision. The Hebrew word "Shavuot" (שָׁבוּעוֹת) means "weeks," highlighting the counting of weeks leading to this celebration. 3. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) In verses 13-15, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is outlined as a time of rejoicing and dwelling in temporary shelters. This feast commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision. The Hebrew "Sukkot" (סֻכּוֹת) refers to "booths" or "tabernacles," symbolizing the transient nature of life and reliance on God. 4. Centralization of Worship Deuteronomy 16:5-7 and 16:16-17 stress the importance of centralized worship at the place God chooses. This theme highlights the unity and communal aspect of worship, as well as the need for a designated holy place, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "makom" (מָקוֹם), meaning "place." 5. Justice and Leadership Verses 18-20 focus on the appointment of judges and officials to ensure justice throughout the land. The Hebrew word "mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט) for "justice" underscores the divine mandate for fairness and righteousness in leadership, reflecting God's character and covenantal expectations. Answering Tough Questions 1. Deuteronomy 16:1: How can we verify historically the “month of Abib” for Passover, given changing calendars and scarce ancient data?Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Passover Feast reinforce the importance of collective memory in faith? 2. What does the emphasis on not using yeast during Passover signify? 3. How does the Feast of Weeks reflect gratitude and the spirit of giving? 4. Why might God emphasize celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles by remembering the time in tents? 5. How do these festivals promote community inclusivity? 6. Why are the males specifically asked to appear before God three times a year? 7. What qualities should the judges and officials possess? 8. How does the prohibition against showing partiality in judgments apply to our present-day justice system? 9. Why does God warn against setting up Asherah poles and sacred stones? 10. In today's context, what might be considered our "Asherah poles" or "sacred stones"? 11. How can modern societies incorporate the principle of giving "in proportion to the blessings" they've received? 12. What are the potential dangers of "perverting justice" in today's context? 13. How can one ensure they do not show partiality in their daily interactions? 14. How does the concept of "three appearances" translate to regular commitment in contemporary faith practices? 15. How does remembering historical events play a role in strengthening community bonds? 16. How can the values emphasized in Deuteronomy 16 guide present-day leaders? 17. Why is the combination of celebration and remembrance vital for spiritual growth? 18. How can the principles of justice from this chapter guide our personal and professional decisions? 19. Why does God emphasize both joy and justice in Deuteronomy 16? 20. How can we, in our daily lives, balance the celebration of our faith with the responsibilities that come with it? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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