Deuteronomy 12:26

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

Only thy holy things {H6944} which thou hast, and thy vows {H5088}, thou shalt take {H5375}, and go {H935} unto the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} shall choose {H977}:

Only the things set aside for God which you have, and the vows you have vowed to make, you must take and go to the place which ADONAI will choose.

But you are to take your holy things and your vow offerings and go to the place the LORD will choose.

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which Jehovah shall choose;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:26 provides specific instructions regarding the handling of consecrated items and promises made to God, emphasizing the central principle of worship established in this chapter. It directs the Israelites to bring their "holy things" and "vows" to the singular, divinely designated place for worship, reinforcing the purity and unity of their devotion to the LORD.

Context

This verse is part of Deuteronomy Chapter 12, which lays out the fundamental principle of centralized worship for Israel once they enter the Promised Land. Prior to this, altars could be built in various locations. However, to prevent the adoption of pagan practices associated with multiple high places and to ensure the integrity of their worship, God commanded them to destroy all the pagan altars and worship Him only at "the place which the LORD shall choose." This instruction would culminate in the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual center, where the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, would reside. Verse 26 specifically details that all sacred offerings and fulfilled vows must be brought to this one chosen sanctuary, not offered at local, unauthorized sites.

Key Themes

  • Centralization of Worship: The primary theme is the command for Israel to worship God in one designated location. This ensured doctrinal purity, prevented syncretism with Canaanite religions, and fostered national unity under God.
  • Obedience and Consecration: The verse underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific commands regarding worship. "Holy things" (offerings, tithes, firstfruits) and "vows" (solemn promises made to God, such as those described in Numbers 30:2) were to be presented in the manner and place God prescribed, signifying a people set apart for Him.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The repeated phrase "the place which the LORD shall choose" (also seen in Deuteronomy 12:5) highlights God's authority in dictating the terms of worship, not human preference or convenience. This chosen place was later identified as Jerusalem, where the Temple of Solomon was built.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Holy things" (ืงึนื“ึถืฉื, qodesh): This Hebrew term refers to anything consecrated or set apart for God's exclusive use. It encompasses various offerings, sacrifices, and tithes that were deemed sacred.
  • "Vows" (ื ึถื“ึถืจ, neder): A solemn promise or pledge made to God, often involving a commitment to offer something or perform a specific act. The fulfillment of these vows was a serious obligation.
  • "The place which the LORD shall choose": This phrase, central to Deuteronomy 12, emphasizes God's active selection and designation of a specific site for His name to dwell. It signifies a unique divine presence and authority associated with that location.

Practical Application

While Christians are no longer bound to a physical temple in Jerusalem for worship, the principles embedded in Deuteronomy 12:26 remain highly relevant. Believers are called to offer their "holy things" and "vows"โ€”our lives, resources, and promisesโ€”to God in a manner that honors Him. This includes:

  • Worship in Spirit and Truth: Jesus taught that true worship is not confined to a physical location but is "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23). Our worship should be sincere, heartfelt, and align with God's revealed will.
  • Giving Our Best: The command to bring "holy things" encourages us to give God our first and best, whether it's our time, talents, or finances. This reflects a heart of gratitude and devotion.
  • Fulfilling Our Commitments: Like the ancient Israelites who were to fulfill their vows, Christians are called to be faithful to their commitments made to God and others.
  • Unity in the Body of Christ: Just as centralized worship fostered unity in Israel, the church today is called to unity in Christ, recognizing that He is our ultimate "chosen place" of worship and fellowship.

Deuteronomy 12:26 serves as a timeless reminder of God's desire for pure, obedient, and unified worship from His people.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 18:19

    All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

  • Numbers 5:9

    And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his.

  • Numbers 5:10

    And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

  • 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:

  • Deuteronomy 12:21

    If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

  • Deuteronomy 12:17

    Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

  • Deuteronomy 12:18

    But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.
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