Deuteronomy 16:2

KJV

Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt therefore sacrifice {H2076} the passover {H6453} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, of the flock {H6629} and the herd {H1241}, in the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} shall choose {H977} to place {H7931} his name {H8034} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to sacrifice the Pesach offering from flock and herd to ADONAI your God in the place where ADONAI will choose to have his name live.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt sacrifice the passover unto Jehovah thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which Jehovah shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:2 issues a foundational command for the Israelites to observe the Passover festival by sacrificing animals from both the flock and the herd. This sacrifice was to be performed exclusively at a singular, divinely designated sanctuary, emphasizing God's sovereign choice for worship. Given by Moses to the new generation on the threshold of the Promised Land, this instruction reinforces the enduring significance of God's redemptive deliverance from Egypt, the imperative for centralized and pure worship, and the nation's corporate obedience to the covenant stipulations, thereby establishing a core principle for Israel's communal identity and spiritual fidelity in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16:2 is strategically placed within the Deuteronomic Code (Deuteronomy 12-26), which comprises Moses' final legal and ethical instructions to the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. Specifically, this verse initiates a detailed exposition of the three annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover and Unleavened Bread (vv. 1-8), Weeks (vv. 9-12), and Booths (vv. 13-17). This section underscores the vital importance of these feasts as regular occasions for national remembrance, corporate worship, and covenant renewal. The command in verse 2 sets the stage for the specific regulations concerning the Passover sacrifice, reinforcing the overarching Deuteronomic theme of worshiping Yahweh exclusively and according to His prescribed ways, particularly at the "place which the LORD shall choose."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' farewell address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. This generation had not personally experienced the original Exodus and the first Passover, making the reiteration of this command crucial for their collective memory and national identity. Historically, the original Passover in Egypt involved the sacrifice of a lamb for each household (compare [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). The instruction in Deuteronomy 16:2 to sacrifice "of the flock and the herd" reflects a significant shift from a household-centric observance to a national, communal pilgrimage festival, now celebrated at a central sanctuary rather than in individual homes. This centralization was a radical departure from the polytheistic and decentralized worship practices of the surrounding Canaanite cultures, serving as a critical bulwark against idolatry and syncretism.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it highlights the **Centralization of Worship**, a distinctive Deuteronomic emphasis, as seen in the recurring phrase "the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there" (compare [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place for God's Name"), [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - The Central Sanctuary"), and [Deuteronomy 14:23](/deuteronomy/14-23 "Deuteronomy 14:23 - Eating Tithes at the Chosen Place")). This concept was vital for maintaining the purity of Israel's worship and preventing the adoption of foreign religious practices. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Remembrance and Deliverance**, as the Passover itself is a perpetual memorial of God's mighty act of salvation from Egyptian bondage (see [Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - Remember This Day")). Thirdly, the command underscores the necessity of **Obedience to God's Covenant Stipulations**, emphasizing that true worship is not arbitrary but must adhere to divine instruction. Finally, the inclusion of "flock and the herd" subtly introduces the theme of **Prosperity and Abundance** that God promises to a faithful Israel in the land, allowing for a more substantial communal feast.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root means "to slaughter an animal," typically in the context of a religious offering or sacrifice. In Deuteronomy 16:2, it specifically refers to the act of ritually killing the Passover animal, transforming it from a mere slaughter into an act of worship and remembrance directed "unto the LORD thy God." This term underscores the sacred nature of the act and its purpose in the covenant relationship.
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to pass over" or "to exempt," this term refers to the foundational festival commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. It specifically alludes to the tenth plague, where the angel of death "passed over" the homes of the Israelites marked with the blood of a lamb, sparing their firstborn (compare [Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood as a Sign")). In Deuteronomy, it evolves from a household ritual to a national pilgrimage, signifying not just a historical event but a perpetual act of national remembrance and covenant renewal.
* **flock (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** This collective noun refers to a group of sheep or goats, often used for sacrificial purposes or as a source of livelihood. While the original Passover sacrifice in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover") specified a lamb or goat from the flock, its mention here alongside "the herd" indicates an expansion of permissible animals for the communal Passover celebration in the settled land.
* **herd (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** This term refers to beef cattle or animals of the ox family. Its inclusion alongside "flock" in Deuteronomy 16:2 signifies a departure from the original Passover's exclusive use of smaller animals. This expansion reflects the transition from a private, immediate act of deliverance to a national, communal celebration in a settled land of prosperity. Sacrificing from both flock and herd would allow for a larger, more substantial communal meal, accommodating the numerous families and tribes gathering at the central sanctuary.
* **place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** This word denotes a specific locality or spot, often with the implication of a designated or important site. In the context of Deuteronomy, "the place" becomes a technical term for the singular, divinely appointed sanctuary for Israel's national worship, contrasting sharply with the decentralized worship practices of other nations. This "chosen place" was later identified as Jerusalem (Zion).
* **choose (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to try" or "to select," this verb emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in designating the central sanctuary. It highlights that the location of legitimate worship is not left to human preference or convenience but is a divine prerogative, underscoring God's authority over Israel's religious practices.
* **place (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** This primitive root means "to reside" or "to permanently stay," indicating a dwelling or habitation. In the phrase "to place his name there," it signifies God's unique presence and dwelling among His people at the chosen sanctuary. This is not a physical containment of God, but rather a manifestation of His authority, covenant relationship, and accessibility at that specific site, making it the legitimate center for all major sacrifices and festivals.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than just an appellation, "name" in Hebrew thought represents the very character, authority, and presence of the individual. "To place his name there" signifies God's self-revelation and the manifestation of His divine character and authority at the chosen sanctuary. It implies that God's presence, though transcendent, is uniquely accessible and revealed at this designated site, making it the exclusive and legitimate center for national worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God":** This is a direct, imperative command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of observing this pivotal festival. The sacrifice is explicitly directed "unto the LORD thy God," emphasizing that it is an act of worship and devotion to Israel's covenant God, Yahweh, not merely a cultural tradition. It reaffirms the covenant relationship and the solemn obligation of Israel to remember and respond to God's redemptive acts.
* **"of the flock and the herd":** This phrase specifies the types of animals permissible for the Passover sacrifice. The inclusion of "the herd" (cattle) alongside "the flock" (sheep or goats) indicates a more substantial offering than the original Passover lamb. This likely reflects the communal nature of the festival in the settled land, where large numbers of people would gather at the central sanctuary, requiring more meat for the celebratory meal shared by the pilgrims. It also subtly points to the future prosperity God would grant Israel, enabling them to offer such a diverse range of animals.
* **"in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there":** This is the crucial theological and geographical stipulation that defines Deuteronomic worship. It mandates that the Passover sacrifice, and by extension all major national sacrifices, must occur at one specific, divinely designated location. This centralization was designed to prevent idolatry, ensure the purity and uniformity of worship, and foster national unity among the tribes. "To place his name there" signifies God's special presence, authority, and covenant relationship uniquely residing at that chosen sanctuary, making it the legitimate and exclusive site for national worship.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:2 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its theological impact and communicative force. The most prominent is the **Command/Imperative** mood, indicated by the direct address "Thou shalt therefore sacrifice," which conveys the absolute authority of God's instruction and the non-negotiable nature of Israel's obedience. This direct address underscores the covenantal obligations placed upon the people. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Repetition** through the distinctive phrase "the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there." This specific phrase is a hallmark of Deuteronomic theology, appearing numerous times throughout the book to emphasize the singular, divinely appointed sanctuary for legitimate worship. This repetition serves to drill home the critical importance of centralized worship for Israel's spiritual integrity and national unity. Finally, the Passover sacrifice itself functions as profound **Symbolism**, representing God's redemptive power, the substitutionary nature of atonement, and the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The act of sacrifice is not merely ritualistic but deeply symbolic of life given for life, pointing forward to ultimate redemption and the ongoing need for atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:2, with its command for the Passover sacrifice at a chosen place, resonates deeply throughout biblical theology. It establishes a pattern of God's redemptive work, His desire for exclusive and pure worship, and the necessity of human obedience. The Passover, as a memorial of deliverance from bondage, foreshadows a greater salvation that would transcend the physical and national. The centralization of worship underscores God's holiness and His desire for His people to gather in unity around His presence, preventing spiritual dilution and syncretism. This verse thus serves as a theological bridge, connecting the historical acts of God in the Exodus to Israel's ongoing covenant responsibilities and ultimately pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of these themes in Christ.

* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26-27 "Exodus 12:26-27 - The Meaning of the Passover") - Explains the Passover as a perpetual memorial for future generations, ensuring the story of deliverance is passed down.
* [Deuteronomy 12:13-14](/deuteronomy/12-13-14 "Deuteronomy 12:13-14 - Worship Only at the Chosen Place") - Further reinforces the command to offer sacrifices only at the chosen place, emphasizing the singularity of legitimate worship.
* [Psalm 78:67-68](/psalm/78-67-68 "Psalm 78:67-68 - God Chooses Zion") - Illustrates God's ultimate choice of Zion (Jerusalem) as the place where He would dwell and establish His sanctuary.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:2, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. The command to "sacrifice the passover" compels us to remember and celebrate God's mighty acts of deliverance in our own lives, particularly the ultimate salvation wrought through Christ. Just as the Israelites were to gather at a divinely chosen place, believers today are called to unity in Christ, recognizing that true worship is not about personal preference or convenience but about honoring God on His terms, in spirit and truth. This verse challenges us to consider the purity and focus of our worship, ensuring that our spiritual practices are centered on God's revealed will rather than human traditions or fleeting desires. It calls us to a life of grateful obedience, recognizing that every act of worship, every gathering, and every remembrance of God's grace is an opportunity to reaffirm our covenant relationship with Him and to live out the implications of His redemptive work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in your personal life, shape your present faith and obedience?**
* **In what ways does the principle of "the place which the LORD shall choose" inform our understanding of corporate worship and unity in the Church today, even without a physical central sanctuary?**
* **What "sacrifices," beyond the literal, are we called to offer to the Lord in our daily lives, and how do these reflect our gratitude for His ultimate redemption in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does Deuteronomy 16:2 mention "flock and herd" when the original Passover in Egypt involved only a lamb?**

Answer: The original Passover in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover") was a household observance, where a single lamb or goat was sacrificed for each family. Deuteronomy 16:2, however, is given as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land and transition from a nomadic existence to a settled national life. The inclusion of "flock and the herd" (cattle) signifies a shift to a larger, national, and communal celebration. When the entire nation would gather at the central sanctuary for the pilgrimage festival, a single lamb would be insufficient to feed the multitudes. Sacrificing larger animals from the herd would accommodate the greater number of participants, reflecting the nation's prosperity and the expanded scope of the festival as a national act of worship and remembrance.

**What is the significance of "the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there"?**

Answer: This phrase is a unique and foundational theological concept in Deuteronomy, appearing numerous times (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place for God's Name"), [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - The Central Sanctuary")). It emphasizes God's sovereign choice of a single, central sanctuary for national worship, which was eventually established in Jerusalem (Zion). This centralization was crucial for several reasons: it prevented the adoption of idolatrous practices prevalent in Canaanite religion, which often involved local shrines; it ensured the purity and uniformity of worship according to God's specific instructions; and it fostered national unity among the twelve tribes. "To place his name there" signifies God's unique presence, authority, and covenant relationship being manifested at this designated site, making it the sole legitimate center for major sacrifices and festivals.

**Does this verse mean that believers today should still sacrifice animals for Passover?**

Answer: No, the command to sacrifice animals for Passover, like all Old Testament animal sacrifices, finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") (compare [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")). His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross provides eternal redemption and renders all animal sacrifices obsolete (see [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Believers now commemorate Christ's sacrifice through the Lord's Supper and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and obedient living (compare [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Spiritual Sacrifices")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:2, with its focus on the Passover sacrifice at a divinely chosen place, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from judgment, finds its ultimate reality in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His shed blood on the cross is the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and death, fulfilling the ancient ritual (compare [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")). Furthermore, the "place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there" points to Christ Himself. While Israel had a physical sanctuary, in the New Covenant, God's presence and "name" are fully revealed in Jesus (compare [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Jesus Reveals God's Name")). He is the true temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity (see [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Temple")). The unity and pure worship sought through the centralization of worship in Deuteronomy are realized spiritually in the Church, the body of Christ, where believers gather in His name and are themselves indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming a spiritual temple (compare [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone"), [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Deuteronomy 16:2, in its command and its theological implications, serves as a profound Old Testament type, pointing to the redemptive work and central significance of Jesus Christ.

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 12:26

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

Luke 22:8

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

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 12:18

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.

Exodus 12:5

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take [it] out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Exodus 12:7

And they shall take of the blood, and strike [it] on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.