Deuteronomy 14:23
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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
Cross-References
-
Deuteronomy 12:5
ยถ 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
ยถ 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.
Commentary
Context
Deuteronomy chapter 14 provides specific laws and regulations given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the promised land. Following instructions on clean and unclean foods, this section addresses the practice of tithing. Verse 23 specifically details where the annual tithe of produce and livestock firstlings should be consumed, emphasizing the importance of bringing these offerings to a central location designated by God, rather than consuming them locally or privately. This "place which he shall choose" would eventually be Jerusalem, where the temple was built, serving as the focal point for Israelite worship and national identity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "the place which he shall choose to place his name there" is significant. In Hebrew, "to place his name" (ืึธืฉึถืึฃืื ืึถืชึพืฉึฐืืึืึน, lasum et-shemo) is a way of saying where God will manifest His presence and authority. It's not just a physical location but a place where His character and power are uniquely revealed and accessed through prescribed worship. The term "fear the LORD" (ืึฐืึดืจึฐืึธืึ ืึถืชึพืึฐืืึธึฃื ืึฑืึนืึถึืืึธ, leyirah et-yhvh eloheyka) implies more than just being afraid; it encompasses profound respect, reverence, awe, and obedience that stems from recognizing God's holiness and power.
Related Scriptures
This command anticipates the establishment of a central sanctuary, later fulfilled in Jerusalem and the Temple (see 2 Chronicles 6:6). The requirement to bring the tithe to a specific location is reiterated in other parts of the law (Malachi 3:10). The purpose of the practice, to learn to fear the LORD, is a foundational principle emphasized throughout scripture, connecting reverence for God with wisdom and obedience.
Practical Application
While the specific practice of eating the tithe in a central location is part of the Old Testament law and ceremonial system, the underlying principles remain relevant. Believers today are called to prioritize God in their giving, recognizing that all they have comes from Him. The modern equivalent involves supporting the work of the church and ministry. More importantly, the ultimate goal remains the same: to cultivate a deep and abiding reverence for God. Our acts of worship, giving, and service should all stem from and contribute to learning to fear the LORD, acknowledging His supreme authority and goodness in all aspects of life.
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.