Deuteronomy 16:10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

And thou shalt keep {H6213} the feast {H2282} of weeks {H7620} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} with a tribute {H4530} of a freewill offering {H5071} of thine hand {H3027}, which thou shalt give {H5414} unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath blessed {H1288} thee:

You are to observe the festival of Shavu'ot [weeks] for ADONAI your God with a voluntary offering, which you are to give in accordance with the degree to which ADONAI your God has prospered you.

And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you,

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto Jehovah thy God with a tribute of a freewill-offering of thy hand, which thou shalt give, according as Jehovah thy God blesseth thee:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 16:10 describes the observance of the Feast of Weeks, one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals commanded by God for the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the nature of the offering brought during this celebration: it was to be a "freewill offering" given in proportion to the blessings received from the LORD.

Context

The Book of Deuteronomy serves as a restatement and exposition of the Mosaic Law given to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land. Chapters 12-26 detail various laws and statutes concerning worship, justice, and social conduct. Deuteronomy 16 specifically outlines the regulations for the three major annual festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These feasts were central to Israel's worship and served as reminders of God's faithfulness and provision. The Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot, marked the culmination of the grain harvest, specifically the wheat harvest, and traditionally commemorated the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It was a time of joyous celebration and thanksgiving.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The core message is one of profound gratitude to God for His abundant provision. The harvest was a direct blessing from Him, and the feast was a communal expression of thanks.
  • Proportional and Voluntary Giving: The phrase "a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give… according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" highlights that the offering was not a fixed tithe but a voluntary contribution. Its amount was to be determined by the individual's recognition of how much God had prospered them. This principle encourages generosity born out of a grateful heart, rather than obligation, reflecting a deeper understanding of giving cheerfully and not under compulsion.
  • Remembrance of God's Provision: Observing this feast reminded the Israelites that their sustenance came directly from God's hand. It fostered dependence on Him and acknowledged His sovereignty over all aspects of life, including agriculture and prosperity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "freewill offering" is nedabah (נְדָבָה), which signifies a voluntary gift or contribution, given spontaneously and from the heart, not under duress or as a compulsory duty. This contrasts with other types of offerings that might have fixed requirements. The emphasis on "according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" (ka’asher berakheka YHWH Eloheka) further underscores the personal and proportional nature of this grateful response.

Significance and Application

Deuteronomy 16:10 offers timeless principles relevant to believers today. While the specific observance of the Feast of Weeks is part of the Old Covenant, the underlying spiritual truths remain. We are called to:

  • Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude: Recognize that all blessings, whether material, spiritual, or relational, flow from God's grace.
  • Practice Generous and Proportional Giving: Our giving should reflect our gratitude and be a response to God's generosity towards us, not merely a duty. Just as the Israelites gave from their harvest, we are to give from what God has provided, with a willing heart.
  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Regularly reflect on how God has blessed and sustained us, fostering a deeper trust in His continued provision.

The New Testament echoes the spirit of this verse, particularly in the context of the Holy Spirit's outpouring on the day of Pentecost (the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks), bringing a spiritual harvest of souls. This connection highlights God's ongoing work of blessing and redemption through Christ, inviting a joyful and voluntary response of worship and service from His people.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 16:2 (3 votes)

    Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

  • Leviticus 25:26 (2 votes)

    And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;

  • Malachi 3:10 (2 votes)

    Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

  • Malachi 3:11 (2 votes)

    And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Proverbs 10:22 (2 votes)

    ¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

  • Leviticus 5:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

  • Numbers 31:37 (2 votes)

    And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen.