(The Lord speaking is red text)
Thou shalt eat [it] before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.
Each year you and your household are to eat it in the presence of ADONAI your God in the place which ADONAI will choose.
Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose.
Thou shalt eat it before Jehovah thy God year by year in the place which Jehovah shall choose, thou and thy household.
Thou shalt eat{H398} it before{H6440} the LORD{H3068} thy God{H430} year{H8141} by year{H8141} in the place{H4725} which the LORD{H3068} shall choose{H977}, thou and thy household{H1004}.
Deuteronomy 15:20 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines various laws and regulations for the Israelite community. The verse specifically refers to the consumption of the tithe, which is a portion of one's produce or livestock given to God as an offering. The historical context of this verse is the period when the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wandering in the wilderness.
The themes present in this verse include:
1. **Worship and Obedience**: The act of eating the tithe before the Lord signifies worship and acknowledgment of God as the provider of all blessings. It is a tangible expression of obedience to God's commandments.
2. **Community and Family**: The inclusion of one's household in the consumption of the tithe emphasizes the importance of family and community in the religious life of the Israelites. It reinforces the idea that worship is not just an individual act but involves the entire community, including the next generation.
3. **Centralized Worship**: The reference to eating "before the LORD thy God" and "in the place which the LORD shall choose" points to the concept of a central sanctuary where God's presence is acknowledged. This would later become the Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the centralization of worship and religious life.
4. **Annual Observance**: The commandment to observe this practice "year by year" establishes an annual rhythm of worship and sacrifice, anchoring the Israelites' lives in a cycle of regular religious observance.
5. **Prosperity and Gratitude**: The broader context of the tithe laws (Deuteronomy 14:22-29) suggests that the consumption of the tithe is also a celebration of the agricultural cycle and an expression of gratitude for the harvest. It is a reminder that prosperity comes from God and should be acknowledged with thankfulness and generosity.
In summary, Deuteronomy 15:20 reflects the themes of worship, community, centralized worship, annual religious observance, and gratitude for divine provision within the historical context of the Israelites' preparation to inhabit the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)