Deuteronomy 12:14

KJV

But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But in the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} shall choose {H977} in one {H259} of thy tribes {H7626}, there thou shalt offer {H5927} thy burnt offerings {H5930}, and there thou shalt do {H6213} all that I command {H6680} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

but do it in the place ADONAI will choose in one of your tribal territories; there is where you are to offer your burnt offerings and do everything I order you to do.

Berean Standard Bible

you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you.

American Standard Version

but in the place which Jehovah shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 12:14 is a foundational command establishing the principle of centralized worship for the Israelites upon their entry into the Promised Land. It mandates that all burnt offerings and other divinely commanded acts of worship must be performed exclusively at a singular, divinely chosen location within one of their tribes. This decree served to prevent syncretism, ensure purity of worship, and foster national unity around God's singular presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Deuteronomy 12, a chapter dedicated entirely to laws concerning worship and the eradication of pagan practices. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 12:1-3) emphatically command the Israelites to destroy all Canaanite places of worship—their high places, altars, sacred pillars, Asherah poles, and graven images—underscoring the absolute necessity of separating themselves from idolatry. In direct contrast to this destruction, Deuteronomy 12:5-7 introduces the concept of a single, divinely chosen place where God would "cause His name to dwell." Deuteronomy 12:14 reiterates and reinforces this command, specifying that *all* commanded sacrifices and acts of worship must occur there, distinguishing Israel's worship from the decentralized and often corrupt practices of the surrounding nations. This emphasis on a singular location is a recurring motif throughout the chapter, highlighting a significant shift from the wilderness period where altars could be built in various locations (e.g., [Exodus 20:24](/exodus/20-24 "Exodus 20:24 - Altars in the Wilderness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic religions and localized cultic practices. Each Canaanite deity often had its own shrine or "high place," leading to a fragmented and often morally corrupt religious landscape. The command in Deuteronomy 12:14 directly counters this pagan model. By insisting on a single, divinely appointed sanctuary, God protected Israel from the pervasive temptation of syncretism—the blending of Yahwistic worship with Canaanite rituals. This was not merely about location but about theological purity and national identity. The command ensured that Israel’s worship would be distinct, unified, and solely focused on the one true God, preventing the adoption of the abominable practices associated with Baal, Asherah, and other regional deities. This centralized worship also served as a focal point for the nascent nation, fostering a sense of collective identity and shared devotion.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Centralized Worship**, which is foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God. This centralization was designed to prevent the proliferation of local cults, which could easily devolve into syncretism and idolatry. By concentrating worship at one divinely chosen site, God ensured doctrinal purity and fostered national unity, providing a common spiritual anchor for all twelve tribes. This chosen place would eventually be Jerusalem, where Solomon would later build the First Temple, making it the epicenter of Israelite worship for centuries (e.g., [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple")). Another crucial theme is **Obedience and Divine Authority**. The phrase "there thou shalt do all that I command thee" underscores the absolute necessity of strict adherence to God's instructions regarding worship, emphasizing not just *what* to offer, but *where* and *how*. This highlights God's sovereign right to dictate the terms of worship. Finally, the verse strongly articulates the **Distinction from Paganism**, setting Israel's worship apart from the localized, often immoral, and polytheistic practices of the Canaanites, thereby safeguarding Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Place (Hebrew, _maqom'_):** While simply meaning "place," in Deuteronomic theology, "the place which the LORD shall choose" becomes a highly significant technical term. It refers to the singular, divinely designated sanctuary where God would "cause His name to dwell" (Deuteronomy 12:5, 11, 21). This emphasis on God's sovereign choice, rather than human preference or convenience, underscores His authority and the sanctity of the worship conducted there. It signifies God's active presence and initiative in establishing the terms of His relationship with Israel.
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _‘olah'_):** This term refers to a specific type of sacrifice, literally meaning "that which goes up" or "ascending offering," because the entire animal (except the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar. The _‘olah_ symbolized complete dedication, devotion, and atonement, representing the worshiper's total surrender to God. Its inclusion here highlights that even the most fundamental and comprehensive acts of worship were to be performed exclusively at the chosen sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine prerogative in selecting the worship site. It is not for Israel to decide, but for Yahweh alone. The phrase "in one of thy tribes" indicates that this chosen place would be accessible to all, situated within the territorial boundaries of one of the Israelite tribes, thus serving as a central point for the entire nation. This divine choice emphasized God's sovereignty over the land and His people.
* **"there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings":** This specifies the primary act of worship to be performed at the chosen sanctuary. The burnt offering, being a sacrifice of complete dedication and atonement, was central to Israelite worship. The repetition of "there" (implied from the preceding clause and explicitly stated in the next) underscores the exclusivity and singularity of the location for such sacred acts, preventing their performance at unauthorized or pagan sites.
* **"and there thou shalt do all that I command thee":** This concluding phrase broadens the scope beyond just burnt offerings to encompass *all* other prescribed acts of worship, including other sacrifices, tithes, vows, and feasts. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine command and the absolute necessity of performing all religious duties according to God's specific instructions and at His designated location. This ensured uniformity, purity, and obedience in the nation's spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 12:14 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the emphatic recurrence of the concept of "the place which the LORD shall choose" throughout Deuteronomy 12. This repetition serves to drill home the non-negotiable nature of centralized worship and God's sovereign authority in its establishment. The phrase "there thou shalt offer... and there thou shalt do" utilizes **Anaphora** (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) to underscore the singular location for all commanded worship. This creates a powerful sense of exclusivity and divine mandate. The verse also functions as a **Command** or **Instruction**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic law code, conveying a clear, authoritative directive from God to His people. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, relies on **Contrast** to highlight the distinction between Israel's pure, unified worship and the fragmented, idolatrous practices of the Canaanites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 12:14 articulates a profound theological principle: God desires an ordered, unified, and pure worship from His people, dictated by His authority, not human preference. This command for centralized worship was not merely logistical; it was deeply theological, designed to safeguard Israel's unique covenant identity and prevent spiritual compromise. It established a physical focal point for the nation's spiritual life, symbolizing God's singular presence among them and their singular devotion to Him. This principle of proper worship, emphasizing God's choice and the necessity of obedience, resonates throughout biblical history, from the Tabernacle to the Temple, and ultimately points to the ultimate "place" of worship in Christ.

* [Leviticus 17:3-5](/leviticus/17-3 "Leviticus 17:3-5 - Sacrifices at the Tent of Meeting")
* [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Name in the Temple")
* [Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - Dwelling in the House of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical requirement of worship at a single geographical location in Jerusalem has been superseded by the New Covenant, the spiritual principles embedded in Deuteronomy 12:14 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The call for centralized worship underscored unity, purity, and obedience to God's commands regarding how and where He is to be honored. For Christians, the "place" of worship is no longer a stone building but a spiritual reality centered on Christ. We are called to worship "in spirit and in truth" (as Jesus taught in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worshipping in Spirit and Truth")), meaning our worship is not bound by physical location but by the authenticity of our hearts and alignment with God's revealed truth. This translates into a life of corporate worship within the community of believers, where we gather in unity around the Word and the Spirit, and individual worship expressed through obedience, dedication, and a life lived for God's glory. The command to "do all that I command thee" reminds us that true worship is holistic, encompassing every aspect of our lives lived in submission to God's will, guarding against syncretism with worldly values or false doctrines that dilute our devotion to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "centralized worship" in Deuteronomy 12:14 translate into the Christian understanding of corporate and individual worship today?**
* **In what ways might modern believers be tempted by "syncretism" or "decentralized" worship that compromises the purity of their devotion to Christ?**
* **What does it mean to "do all that I command thee" in the context of our daily lives and spiritual practices?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Israelites to worship at one specific "chosen place"?**

Answer: The command for a single, divinely chosen place of worship was critical for several reasons. First, it prevented the proliferation of local altars and "high places," which were often associated with Canaanite idolatry and immoral practices. This centralization was a powerful safeguard against syncretism, ensuring that Israel's worship remained distinct and pure, solely focused on Yahweh. Second, it fostered national unity. By having one central sanctuary, all twelve tribes had a common spiritual focal point, reinforcing their identity as one people under one God. This helped to prevent tribal fragmentation and promoted a shared understanding of God's law and covenant. Finally, it underscored God's absolute sovereignty. The choice of location was God's alone, not based on human preference or convenience, thereby emphasizing His authority over His people's worship and their lives. This place would eventually be Jerusalem, where the Temple was built (e.g., [2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God Chooses Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 12:14, with its emphasis on a singular, divinely chosen place for worship, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. No longer is God's presence confined to a physical temple or a specific geographical location; rather, in Christ, God Himself has drawn near to humanity. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the true and ultimate "place" where God's name dwells, the perfect meeting point between heaven and earth. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect "burnt offering," fully consumed by divine judgment on the cross, accomplishing complete dedication and atonement for sin once and for all ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the command to "do all that I command thee" is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). In the New Covenant, believers are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - True Worshipers")), recognizing that the true sanctuary is not a building but the very person of Christ, through whom we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Thus, Deuteronomy 12:14 foreshadows the unified, pure, and divinely centered worship that is now possible for all who come to God through Jesus, our High Priest, our sacrifice, and our ultimate "chosen place."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

2 Corinthians 5:19

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Psalms 9:11

¶ Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Psalms 5:7

¶ But as for me, I will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.