Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Three {H7969} times {H6471} in a year {H8141} shall all thy males {H2138} appear {H7200} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} in the place {H4725} which he shall choose {H977}; in the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682}, and in the feast {H2282} of weeks {H7620}, and in the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521}: and they shall not appear {H7200} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} empty {H7387}:

"Three times a year all your men are to appear in the presence of ADONAI your God in the place which he will choose - at the festival of matzah, at the festival of Shavu'ot and at the festival of Sukkot. They are not to show up before ADONAI empty-handed,

Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before Jehovah thy God in the place which he shall choose: in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles; and they shall not appear before Jehovah empty:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 16:16 is a foundational verse within the Mosaic Law, outlining a crucial aspect of Israelite worship: the three annual pilgrimage festivals. It mandates that all Israelite males present themselves before the LORD at a designated central sanctuary, bringing offerings as an act of worship and gratitude.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy reiterates and expands upon laws given at Mount Sinai, preparing the new generation for life in Canaan. Chapter 16 specifically details regulations for the annual feasts, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship and a centralized place of worship, referred to as "the place which he shall choose." This phrase points to the future location where God would establish His presence, ultimately Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Chronicles 6:6.

Key Themes

  • Mandatory Pilgrimage and Worship: The command for all males to "appear before the LORD" underscores the seriousness and communal nature of these festivals. It was a physical journey, symbolizing a spiritual pilgrimage to God's presence, reinforcing the covenant relationship.
  • The Three Annual Feasts: These were the primary times of national gathering and celebration, detailed more fully in Leviticus 23.
    • The Feast of Unleavened Bread: Directly following Passover, this seven-day festival commemorated Israel's hasty departure from Egypt, where there was no time for bread to rise. It symbolized purification and remembering God's swift deliverance from bondage.
    • The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): Occurring fifty days after Passover, this feast celebrated the wheat harvest and, traditionally, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It is also known as Shavuot and is significant for its later fulfillment in the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1.
    • The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Also known as the Feast of Booths, this autumn festival commemorated Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, and God's faithful provision. It was a time of great rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest.
  • Generosity and Gratitude: The injunction "they shall not appear before the LORD empty" emphasizes that worship is not merely attendance but involves bringing an offering proportionate to God's blessing. This encouraged a spirit of thanksgiving and acknowledged God as the source of all provision, as also noted in Exodus 23:15.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "appear before the LORD" (Hebrew: ra'ah) carries the sense of presenting oneself to be seen by God, implying a respectful and reverent approach. It is not merely about physical presence but about a conscious presentation of oneself in worship. The word "empty" (Hebrew: reqam) signifies coming without any gift, tribute, or offering, highlighting the expectation that worshippers would bring a material expression of their devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and blessing.

Practical Application

While the specific requirements of these Old Testament pilgrimage laws are not directly binding on Christians today, the principles behind them remain vital for our faith and practice:

  • Regular Worship and Remembrance: We are called to regularly gather for worship, remembering God's faithfulness, deliverance, and provision, much like the Israelites commemorated their history through the feasts.
  • A Spirit of Giving: True worship involves giving generously from what God has blessed us with, not appearing "empty-handed" but with hearts and hands ready to offer thanks and support to His work. This reflects a grateful heart for God's immeasurable grace.
  • Thankfulness for God's Provision: Like the Israelites, we should continually acknowledge God as the source of all good things, celebrating His past and present blessings in our lives.
  • Corporate Unity: These feasts fostered national unity and a shared identity in God. Similarly, believers today are called to unite in corporate worship and fellowship, strengthening the body of Christ and expressing our common faith.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 96:8 (102 votes)

    Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

  • Proverbs 3:9 (100 votes)

    Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

  • Proverbs 3:10 (100 votes)

    So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

  • Haggai 1:9 (76 votes)

    Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

  • Exodus 23:14 (70 votes)

    Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

  • Exodus 23:17 (70 votes)

    Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

  • Matthew 2:11 (65 votes)

    And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.