Deuteronomy 14:23

KJV

And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt eat {H398} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, in the place {H4725} which he shall choose {H977} to place {H7931} his name {H8034} there, the tithe {H4643} of thy corn {H1715}, of thy wine {H8492}, and of thine oil {H3323}, and the firstlings {H1062} of thy herds {H1241} and of thy flocks {H6629}; that thou mayest learn {H3925} to fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} always {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and eat it in the presence of ADONAI your God. In the place where he chooses to have his name live you will eat the tenth of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your cattle and sheep, so that you will learn to fear ADONAI your God always.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt eat before Jehovah thy God, in the place which he shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe of thy grain, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herd and of thy flock; that thou mayest learn to fear Jehovah thy God always.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:23 prescribes a vital aspect of Israelite worship and economic life: the annual command for families to bring and consume their tithe of agricultural produce and firstborn livestock "before the LORD" at a divinely chosen central sanctuary. This practice transcended mere economic regulation, serving as a profound spiritual discipline designed to foster an enduring and deep reverence for God. It continually reminded the Israelites of His absolute sovereignty, faithful provision, and their intimate covenant relationship, thereby cultivating a lasting "fear of the LORD" that permeated every facet of their existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14 is situated within Moses' second major discourse, delivered to the Israelites on the plains of Moab as they stood poised to enter the Promised Land. Following a renewed emphasis on covenant fidelity and the prohibition against pagan mourning rituals (Deuteronomy 14:1-2), the chapter transitions into detailed dietary laws concerning clean and unclean animals (Deuteronomy 14:3-21). This section meticulously defines Israel's distinct identity as a holy people set apart for God. Immediately preceding our verse, [Deuteronomy 14:22](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22 - Command to Tithe All Produce") introduces the general command to tithe all produce annually. Verse 23 then specifies the precise location and manner in which this tithe is to be consumed, followed by provisions for those living far from the central sanctuary ([Deuteronomy 14:24-26](/deuteronomy/14-24-26 "Deuteronomy 14:24-26 - Provisions for Distant Worshippers")), and the command for a triennial tithe dedicated to the Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows ([Deuteronomy 14:27-29](/deuteronomy/14-27-29 "Deuteronomy 14:27-29 - The Third-Year Tithe for the Needy")). Thus, Deuteronomy 14:23 is an integral part of a comprehensive legal framework designed to establish Israel's unique identity, promote communal welfare, and ensure proper, centralized worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, they faced a landscape populated by diverse pagan cultures, many of which engaged in localized worship and fertility cults. The divine command to bring the tithe to a single, divinely chosen location served as a direct counterpoint to the decentralized, polytheistic worship prevalent among their neighbors. This centralization was paramount for safeguarding the purity of Israel's monotheistic faith and preventing syncretism, ensuring that all worship was directed solely to Yahweh. The "place which he shall choose" refers prophetically to Jerusalem, where the Temple would eventually be constructed, becoming the spiritual and national epicenter for the nation of Israel. The enumerated agricultural products (corn, wine, oil) and livestock (firstlings) represented the primary sources of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society, rendering the tithing of these items a profound act of faith and economic sacrifice, deeply interwoven with the daily rhythms of their lives.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Centralized Worship**, emphasizing God's desire for a unified people to worship Him in a designated place where He would "place his name." This concept is a recurring motif, contrasting with the scattered altars of earlier patriarchal narratives and setting the stage for the future Temple in Jerusalem, as seen in [2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God Chooses Jerusalem"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Human Gratitude**, as the tithe represents the firstfruits of God's blessing, returned to Him in an act of thanksgiving and acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership (cf. [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - The Tithe Belongs to the Lord")). Finally, and most explicitly, the verse emphasizes the **Cultivation of Reverence and Obedience**, stating the explicit purpose: "that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always." This "fear" is not terror but a profound awe, respect, and obedient submission, foundational to wisdom and true worship, as echoed in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal_):** This primitive root signifies the literal act of consuming food, but in this sacred context, it implies more than mere physical nourishment. It denotes participation in a covenant meal, an act of fellowship and communion "before the LORD." The consumption of the tithe was a tangible expression of enjoying God's provision in His presence, transforming a mundane act into a spiritual experience of gratitude and dependence.
* **tithe (Hebrew, _maʻăsêr_):** Derived from the root meaning "tenth," this term specifically refers to a tenth part of one's produce or income consecrated to God. In Deuteronomy 14:23, it refers to the "second tithe," a portion that the Israelite family was to consume themselves at the central sanctuary. This practice underscored that a portion of their abundance was sacred, to be enjoyed in God's presence, fostering fellowship and gratitude, and reminding them of God's ownership over all things.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** This primitive root means "to fear," but morally, it signifies "to revere." In the biblical context, "fear the LORD" is not a cowering terror but a profound and reverential awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's sovereignty, holiness, and power. It is the proper response of a creature to its Creator, leading to a life characterized by wisdom, faithfulness, and covenant loyalty, and it is the ultimate goal of the tithing practice described here.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God,"**: This opening clause establishes the active and personal participation of the worshiper in the consumption of the tithe. The phrase "before the LORD thy God" elevates this act beyond a simple meal, transforming it into a sacred encounter. It signifies that the meal is performed in the presence and under the watchful eye of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing the relational aspect of worship and the intimacy God desires with His people.
* **"in the place which he shall choose to place his name there,"**: This specifies the mandatory, divinely designated location for this sacred meal. It prophetically points to a central sanctuary—eventually Jerusalem—where God's presence, authority, and revealed character (His "name") would be uniquely manifested. This centralization was crucial for preventing idolatry, ensuring uniformity in worship, and serving as a powerful unifying force for the nascent nation, preventing the proliferation of unauthorized altars.
* **"the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks;"**: This enumerates the specific items comprising the tithe to be consumed. These are the staple agricultural products and the firstborn animals, representing the primary sources of Israel's sustenance and wealth in an agrarian society. Including "firstlings" alongside the general tithe reinforces the principle of offering the best and acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all blessing, productivity, and life.
* **"that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always."**: This concluding clause articulates the ultimate purpose and didactic intent of the entire practice. The act of bringing, sacrificing, and eating the tithe in God's presence was a pedagogical tool, meticulously designed to instill a deep, abiding, and perpetual reverence for God. It was meant to be a constant, tangible reminder of His holiness, His unfailing provision, and His covenant demands, thereby shaping the Israelites' character and ensuring their ongoing obedience and devotion throughout their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:23 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The use of **Repetition** of the phrase "the place which he shall choose" (or similar variations, e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Place God Will Choose"), [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - The Place God Will Choose")) throughout Deuteronomy underscores its immense theological significance and God's sovereign initiative in establishing a central sanctuary. The verse also functions as a clear **Didactic Purpose Statement**, explicitly articulating the "why" behind the command ("that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always"), thereby transforming a ritualistic act into a profound spiritual lesson aimed at character formation. The listing of "corn, wine, and oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks" is an example of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (agricultural produce and livestock) represent a comprehensive whole, signifying the entirety of their God-given abundance. Finally, the entire practice described is deeply **Symbolic**: the act of eating the tithe in God's presence symbolizes communion, dependence, and the profound joy of fellowship with the Divine Provider, reinforcing the intimate relationship between God and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:23 encapsulates the profound theological truth that true worship is holistic, encompassing both material sacrifice and spiritual transformation. The command to bring and consume the tithe in God's presence highlights His desire for a relationship with His people that is both personal and communal, rooted in gratitude for His provision and culminating in a reverent fear. This practice serves as a tangible expression of Israel's covenant loyalty, reminding them that all blessings flow from God and are to be enjoyed in His presence and according to His will. It underscores the principle that our giving is not merely an obligation but a means of spiritual formation, designed to deepen our awe and obedience towards the Almighty, recognizing His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all aspects of life.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Central Sanctuary and Joyful Worship") - Establishes the principle of the chosen place for worship and joyful feasting before the Lord, emphasizing unity and God's presence.
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe") - Reiterates the command to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, emphasizing divine blessing and open heavens upon obedience.
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") - Affirms the foundational nature of the fear of the LORD as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, linking reverence to true understanding.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:23, while rooted in the specific agrarian and ceremonial laws of ancient Israel, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The command to eat the tithe "before the LORD" underscores that our giving is not just a financial transaction but an act of worship, an intimate encounter with God Himself. It profoundly reminds us that all we possess—our resources, talents, and time—are ultimately gracious gifts from God, to be stewarded with profound gratitude and utilized in ways that honor Him. The explicit purpose, "that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always," calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding reverence for God in every aspect of our lives. This means recognizing His absolute sovereignty over our finances, prioritizing His presence in our decisions, and allowing our acts of generosity and worship to shape our character, fostering a lifelong attitude of awe, respect, and obedient devotion. Our giving, whether of finances, time, or talent, should be seen not as a burden, but as a sacred opportunity to draw closer to God and to deepen our understanding of His character and our complete dependence upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "eating before the LORD" challenge my modern understanding of giving and worship, moving beyond mere obligation to a relational encounter?**
* **In what specific ways can my financial stewardship and acts of generosity today contribute to "learning to fear the LORD" and deepening my reverence for Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God in my daily life, extending beyond just monetary giving to encompass all my resources and time?**
* **How does the Old Testament idea of a "chosen place" for worship translate into the New Covenant understanding of God's presence among His people and in individual believers?**

### FAQ

**What is the "second tithe" and how does it differ from other tithes in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 14:23 refers to what is commonly known as the "second tithe" or the "festival tithe." This tithe was distinct from the "first tithe" (also known as the Levitical tithe, mentioned in [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Tithes for the Levites")), which was given directly to the Levites for their support and service in the tabernacle/temple. The second tithe, as described here, was specifically for the Israelite family to consume "before the LORD" at the central sanctuary during annual festivals. If the journey was too long, they could convert their produce into money, travel to the chosen place, and then purchase food and drink to enjoy there ([Deuteronomy 14:24-26](/deuteronomy/14-24-26 "Deuteronomy 14:24-26 - Provisions for Distant Worshippers")). Every third year, this second tithe was kept locally and shared with the Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows ([Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28-29 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - The Third-Year Tithe for the Needy")), ensuring social welfare and support for the vulnerable within the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:23, with its emphasis on eating "before the LORD" at a divinely chosen place to "learn to fear the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament practice involved physical food and a geographical sanctuary, Christ is the true "place" where God's name is fully revealed and where humanity can truly encounter Him. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose sacrifice provides the ultimate provision, infinitely surpassing corn, wine, oil, or firstlings. Through His body and blood, offered once for all, believers are invited to a new kind of meal, the Lord's Supper, where they eat and drink "before the Lord" in spiritual communion, remembering His sacrifice and proclaiming His return ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This new covenant meal does not require a physical pilgrimage to Jerusalem, for Christ Himself is our [Temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple") and our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), making God accessible everywhere. The "fear of the LORD" is now perfected in reverent love and worship of God through Christ, who, by His Spirit, indwells believers ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Jesus Promises the Spirit")), making them living temples where God's name truly resides. Thus, the Old Testament ritual points forward to the reality of intimate fellowship with God made possible only through Christ, our ultimate provision and the one who enables us to truly "fear" (revere and obey) God always, in spirit and in truth.

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 12:5

¶ 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:

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deuteronomy 4:10

[Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and [that] they may teach their children.

Deuteronomy 15:19

¶ All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.

Deuteronomy 15:20

Thou shalt eat [it] before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.

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.