Deuteronomy 14:25

KJV

Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou turn {H5414} it into money {H3701}, and bind up {H6696} the money {H3701} in thine hand {H3027}, and shalt go {H1980} unto the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977}:

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to convert it into money, take the money with you, go to the place which ADONAI your God will choose,

Berean Standard Bible

then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose.

American Standard Version

then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thy hand, and shalt go unto the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:25 presents a divinely inspired and remarkably pragmatic instruction within the broader context of the second annual tithe, often referred to as the "pilgrim tithe." This verse provides a compassionate allowance for Israelites residing far from the central sanctuary to convert their agricultural produce or livestock into money (silver). This provision ingeniously overcomes the logistical challenges of transporting bulky goods over long distances, ensuring that geographical proximity would not hinder any Israelite's ability to participate fully in the commanded communal worship and joyous feasting before the Lord at the divinely chosen place. It beautifully illustrates God's wisdom, foresight, and profound desire for His people's joyful obedience, unity, and unburdened participation in His sacred festivals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Deuteronomy's legal code, specifically within chapters 12-26, which detail the statutes given by God through Moses for the Israelites' life in the Promised Land. More precisely, [Deuteronomy 14:22-29](/deuteronomy/14-22-29 "Deuteronomy 14:22-29 - The Law of the Tithe") outlines the regulations for the "second tithe," distinct from the Levitical tithe. The immediate preceding verse, [Deuteronomy 14:24](/deuteronomy/14-24 "Deuteronomy 14:24 - The Distance is Too Great"), explicitly acknowledges the practical difficulty of transporting large quantities of agricultural goods or livestock over considerable distances. Therefore, Deuteronomy 14:25 emerges as God's gracious and practical solution to this logistical dilemma, ensuring that all Israelites, regardless of their location, could fulfill their obligation to journey to the central sanctuary. The subsequent verse, [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Spending the Tithe Money Joyfully"), then elaborates on how this converted money is to be spent on a celebratory meal, reinforcing the joyous and communal nature of the pilgrimage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where wealth was primarily held in the form of crops (grain, wine, oil) and livestock. Travel in this era was arduous, slow, and often dangerous, making the transport of bulky goods over long distances exceptionally challenging, sometimes requiring weeks of travel by foot or with pack animals. The divine command for all Israelite males to appear before the Lord three times a year for major festivals ([Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14-17 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts")) at a single, divinely designated location (which would eventually become Jerusalem) posed a significant logistical hurdle for those living in outlying regions. Economically, coinage was not yet widespread; instead, transactions often involved bartering or the weighing of precious metals, particularly silver, as a medium of exchange. The instruction to "turn it into money" (specifically silver, as indicated by the Hebrew word) provided a universally accepted, portable, and valuable form of currency, reflecting God's profound understanding of the economic realities and practical needs of His people in that historical period. This adaptive provision ensured that worship remained accessible and unburdened for a geographically dispersed population.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 14:25 significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Accommodation and Pragmatism**, showcasing God's compassionate understanding of human limitations and His willingness to provide flexible, yet faithful, means for His people to obey His commands. The recurring emphasis on "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" reinforces the critical theme of **Centralized Worship and National Unity**, highlighting the importance of a singular sanctuary as the spiritual and national focal point for Israel's identity and worship, a concept extensively developed in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship"). This provision also underscores the theme of **Joyful Obedience and Feasting**, as the converted money was not merely for temple maintenance but specifically for purchasing items to be consumed in a celebratory meal before the Lord, transforming a religious obligation into an occasion for communal joy and fellowship, as explicitly detailed in [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Spending the Tithe Money Joyfully"). Finally, the careful handling of the money points to the enduring principle of **Stewardship and Trust**, reminding the Israelites to faithfully manage and bring what God had blessed them with, trusting in His overarching provision and wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** This Hebrew word (H3701) directly translates to "silver" and, by implication, "money." In ancient Israel, before the widespread use of coinage, silver was the primary medium of exchange, often weighed out in transactions. The instruction to "turn it into money" therefore means to convert the value of agricultural produce or livestock into its equivalent in silver. This highlights God's practical provision for a standardized, portable, and universally accepted form of currency, enabling pilgrims to travel long distances without the burden of bulky goods, thereby facilitating both commerce and religious obligation. It emphasizes a reliable and fungible asset for sacred purposes.
* **Bind up (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** The verb _tsûwr_ (H6696) means "to cramp," "confine," "bind (up)," or "put up in bags." In this context, "bind up the money in thine hand" implies carefully securing the silver, likely in a cloth or pouch, to prevent loss or theft during the arduous journey. This detail underscores the preciousness and sacred nature of the consecrated funds, and the seriousness with which they were to be handled. It speaks to a deliberate act of safeguarding resources intended for sacred use, reflecting both practical wisdom and profound reverence for the tithe.
* **Go (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** The verb _hâlak_ (H1980) is a primitive root meaning "to walk" or "to go," used in a wide variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, including "travel" or "march." Here, it signifies the physical act of journeying to the designated central sanctuary. This word emphasizes the active participation and effort required for the pilgrimage. It is not merely a passive act but a deliberate movement towards the place of worship, highlighting the commitment and intentionality inherent in fulfilling the divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou turn [it] into money":** This initial clause provides the pragmatic and compassionate solution to the logistical challenges faced by distant Israelites. It grants explicit permission to sell the tithed produce or livestock locally, converting its value into silver. This demonstrates God's profound understanding of human practicalities and His gracious provision of an alternative method that still honored the spirit and intent of the law, ensuring that geographical distance would not become an impediment to joyful obedience and worship. It beautifully illustrates divine flexibility within the framework of divine command.
* **"and bind up the money in thine hand":** This instruction underscores the importance of careful and responsible stewardship of the consecrated funds. "Binding up" suggests securing the silver, likely in a cloth or pouch, to protect it from loss or theft during the pilgrimage. This detail highlights the value and sacred purpose of the money, which was not for personal gain but specifically for use in the presence of the Lord at the chosen place. It implies a deliberate act of safeguarding resources dedicated to God, reflecting both practical wisdom and deep reverence for His provisions.
* **"and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose":** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and destination of the entire process: the pilgrimage to the divinely designated central sanctuary. This command powerfully reinforces the theme of centralized worship, promoting national unity and a singular focus for Israel's religious life. The ability to convert bulky produce into portable money facilitated this essential pilgrimage for all, ensuring that every Israelite could participate in the communal feasts and worship at the place where God chose to make His name dwell, thereby fostering a shared spiritual experience, identity, and profound connection with the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:25 masterfully employs several key literary devices. **Divine Accommodation** is profoundly evident in God's willingness to adapt His commands to the practical realities of human life and geographical constraints. Instead of an unyielding, impractical demand, God provides a flexible and gracious solution for tithing, demonstrating His compassionate understanding of His people's limitations. This verse also showcases striking **Pragmatism**, offering a highly sensible and practical approach to a significant logistical problem, thereby ensuring that the spirit of worship and obedience could be maintained despite physical obstacles. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of **Symbolism** embedded in the phrase "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose." This recurring Deuteronomic phrase symbolizes God's sovereign presence, His authority in designating a dwelling place for His name, and the essential unity of His people gathered around Him. The very act of binding up the money also carries symbolic weight, representing diligent stewardship, the sacredness of resources dedicated to God, and the intentional preparation required for spiritual pilgrimage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:25 unveils profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with His covenant people. It underscores God's immense wisdom and foresight, demonstrating that His commands are never arbitrary but are given with an intimate understanding of human circumstances and practicalities. His gracious provision for converting tithes into money showcases His compassionate and accommodating nature, revealing that He desires not merely outward conformity to a rigid rule, but heartfelt participation and joyful worship, unhindered by logistical burdens. This flexibility in method, while maintaining the unwavering principle of giving and gathering, subtly foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on the spirit of the law over rigid adherence to its letter. It teaches us that true obedience is often expressed through adaptable faithfulness, prioritizing the heart's intention and the ultimate goal of intimate fellowship with God and vibrant community. The verse also speaks to the enduring principle of stewardship, reminding believers across all ages that all resources are ultimately God's, entrusted to us, and are to be handled with utmost care, intentionality, and reverence for His divine purposes.
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Psalm 122:1](/psalm/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joy in Going to the House of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth and Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:25, though rooted in the specific tithing practices of ancient Israel, offers timeless and universally applicable principles for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our infinitely wise God understands our human limitations and often provides flexible, compassionate means for us to express our faithfulness and worship. Just as He accommodated the Israelites' travel challenges, He continues to meet us where we are, valuing our heartfelt obedience and joyful participation over rigid adherence to a specific method or form. This verse profoundly encourages us to prioritize corporate worship and fellowship with the body of Christ, making intentional efforts to gather with fellow believers, even if it requires careful planning, personal sacrifice, or overcoming various obstacles. Our acts of giving and worship should always be characterized by genuine joy, deep gratitude, and an earnest desire for communion with God and fellow believers, rather than being perceived as a burdensome obligation. Furthermore, the instruction to carefully handle the money underscores the enduring importance of wise and responsible stewardship of all resources God has graciously entrusted to us, recognizing that they are ultimately His and are to be managed with integrity for His glory and His kingdom purposes. We are called to be faithful managers of His abundant blessings, whether they be financial, material, or spiritual gifts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does God's compassionate provision in Deuteronomy 14:25 illuminate His character and His desire for our unburdened worship today?**
* **How can we thoughtfully apply the principle of "flexibility in faithfulness" in our modern Christian walk, ensuring we adapt to circumstances without compromising core biblical truths or diminishing our devotion?**
* **What practical steps can I personally take this week to ensure my participation in corporate worship, my giving, and my service are characterized by genuine joy and intentionality, rather than mere obligation or routine?**
* **How does this passage challenge or affirm my current understanding and practice of stewardship in managing the resources, time, and talents God has entrusted to me?**

### FAQ
**How does the concept of "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" relate to Christian worship today?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Place God Will Choose for His Name")) referred to a specific physical location, initially the tabernacle at Shiloh, and later the Temple in Jerusalem. This centralized worship point was absolutely crucial for Israel's national and religious identity, fostering profound unity and a shared experience of God's manifest presence. For Christians today, this concept has been wonderfully transformed and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared that true worship is no longer confined to a specific geographical location like Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim, but is to be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The "place" where God's presence now primarily dwells is in the hearts of individual believers, who are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and collectively as the Church, which is the body of Christ and a spiritual dwelling place for God ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple in the Lord")). While we still gather in physical church buildings for corporate worship, the ultimate "place" is the spiritual reality of intimate fellowship with God through Christ, wherever two or three are gathered in His name ([Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Are Gathered")). Thus, the enduring principle of intentional gathering and joyful worship remains, but its fulfillment is now spiritual, relational, and universally accessible rather than geographically bound to a single earthly sanctuary.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:25, with its practical provision for pilgrimage and joyful feasting, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament command to journey to "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual pilgrimage of faith to Christ Himself. He is the true and final "place" where God's glorious presence fully dwells in bodily form ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - In Christ All the Fullness of Deity Dwells")), the one through whom we now have direct access to the Father in the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). The elaborate system of tithes, sacrifices, and feasts, including the joyful consumption of the tithe before the Lord, all pointed forward to the infinitely superior provision of Christ. He is our ultimate and perfect sacrifice, offered once for all time to perfect those who are sanctified ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice Perfects Forever")), our true spiritual food and drink that gives eternal life ([John 6:53-58](/john/6-53-58 "John 6:53-58 - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of the Son of Man")), and the inexhaustible source of our true joy and unbreakable fellowship with God. We no longer need to convert produce into money to travel to a physical temple, for Christ has inaugurated a new covenant where worship is in spirit and truth, unbound by earthly locations ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), and the indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to draw near to God from anywhere. The burdensome journey of the Old Covenant is replaced by the light yoke and easy burden of Christ ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), and the physical feast is surpassed by the spiritual banquet of His abiding presence and the eternal fellowship we share in Him, a glorious foretaste of the great marriage supper of the Lamb yet to come ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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.