Deuteronomy 16:6

KJV

But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

But at the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977} to place {H7931} his name {H8034} in, there thou shalt sacrifice {H2076} the passover {H6453} at even {H6153}, at the going down {H935} of the sun {H8121}, at the season {H4150} that thou camest forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but at the place where ADONAI your God will choose to have his name live - there is where you are to sacrifice the Pesach offering, in the evening, when the sun sets, at the time of year that you came out of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

You must only offer the Passover sacrifice at the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name. Do this in the evening as the sun sets, at the same time you departed from Egypt.

American Standard Version

but at the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:6 provides a precise divine mandate for the annual Passover sacrifice, specifying both the singular, divinely chosen location and the exact timing for its observance. This command, given to Israel on the threshold of the Promised Land, underscores God's unwavering insistence on centralized, unified worship, designed to safeguard the purity of their devotion and prevent syncretism. It meticulously ties the ritual to the foundational Exodus deliverance, ensuring that the nation's identity remained perpetually rooted in God's mighty act of salvation through a perpetual act of remembrance and obedient worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," functions as Moses' valedictory address to the new generation of Israelites, who are poised to enter the Promised Land. It is primarily a covenant renewal document, reiterating, expounding upon, and applying the Mosaic Law given at Mount Sinai to the future life of Israel in Canaan. Chapter 16 specifically details the regulations for the three annual pilgrimage festivals—Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks (Pentecost), and Tabernacles—which formed the bedrock of Israelite communal worship and national identity. Deuteronomy 16:6 initiates the detailed instructions for the Passover, introducing the pivotal concept of a single, divinely appointed location for major sacrifices, marking a significant theological and practical shift from the more localized worship practices that might have been permissible during their wilderness wanderings. This centralization was crucial for the integrity of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, facing the imminent conquest of Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures. These cultures engaged in worship at numerous local shrines, "high places," and sacred groves, often involving syncretistic practices and idolatry. God's command for a centralized place of worship—"the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in"—was a revolutionary departure from the prevailing religious norms. This directive was strategically designed to protect Israel's nascent monotheistic faith, prevent the assimilation of corrupt Canaanite religious practices, and foster national unity around a singular, pure expression of devotion to Yahweh. While unnamed in this verse, this "chosen place" prophetically referred to the future Tabernacle and, later, the Temple in Jerusalem, serving as the unique locus of God's manifest presence and the authorized site for covenantal sacrifices among His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The directive for a specific "place which the LORD thy God shall choose" powerfully highlights the theme of **Centralized Worship**, emphasizing God's desire for a unified, pure, and exclusive devotion. This command was a bulwark against idolatry and the scattering of worship, as further detailed in [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place for God's Name"), which explicitly mandates bringing offerings to this singular location. The meticulous instructions regarding timing—"at even, at the going down of the sun"—reinforce the theme of **Obedience and Remembrance**, underscoring the vital importance of precise adherence to God's commands and ensuring that the Israelites would perpetually recall the miraculous [Exodus deliverance](/exodus/12-42 "Exodus 12:42 - The Night of the Lord's Deliverance") as the foundational event of their national identity and a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Furthermore, the very nature of the **Passover Significance** itself, as a memorial of God's "passing over" Israel's homes during the tenth plague, serves as a recurring reminder of divine judgment and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **choose (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** H977, a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select. This word underscores divine sovereignty and election. God does not merely suggest a place; He actively "chooses" it. This choice signifies divine prerogative and the exclusive nature of Israel's covenant relationship, where God dictates the terms of worship, setting Israel apart from nations that chose their own deities and places of worship.
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** H6453, from פָּסַח; a pretermission, i.e. exemption; used only technically of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim). The term _Pesach_ is intrinsically linked to the verb _pasach_, meaning "to pass over," "to spare," or "to hover over protectively." This directly references God's act of protection during the tenth plague in Egypt, where He "passed over" the homes of the Israelites marked with the blood of the lamb, sparing their firstborn while judgment fell upon the Egyptians. The festival thus serves as a perpetual memorial of this foundational act of redemption and deliverance.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** H8034, a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character. When God "places His name" in a location, it signifies more than just a label. It means He establishes His manifest presence, authority, and character there. It is the place where He makes Himself known, where His covenant promises are affirmed, and where His glory dwells, making it the unique focal point for His people's worship and interaction with Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in":** This foundational clause establishes the divine prerogative in worship. God, in His absolute sovereignty, would designate a specific, singular location where His "name"—representing His character, presence, and authority—would uniquely reside. This command was crucial for preventing syncretism with pagan practices, ensuring the purity and unity of Israel's worship, and distinguishing their monotheistic faith from the localized, often idolatrous, practices of the surrounding nations. It signifies that true worship is not determined by human preference but by divine revelation.
* **"there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun":** This segment specifies both the exclusive location (the divinely chosen place) and the precise timing for the Passover sacrifice. The act of "sacrificing the passover" refers to the ritual slaughter of the lamb, the sprinkling of its blood, and the communal consumption of its roasted flesh. The timing, "at even, at the going down of the sun," meticulously mirrors the original Passover night (Exodus 12:6), emphasizing the importance of obedient adherence to God's instructions and linking the annual ritual directly to the historical, redemptive event that birthed the nation.
* **"at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt":** This final phrase provides the ultimate rationale and enduring purpose for the Passover observance: perpetual remembrance. It firmly anchors the ritual in Israel's foundational history, ensuring that each successive generation would recall and internalize the miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The festival was not merely an archaic rite but a living memorial, perpetually connecting the people to God's mighty acts of salvation, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the very origin of their national identity.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological and practical directives. **Emphasis through Specification** is evident in the meticulous detail provided for both the location ("the place which the LORD thy God shall choose") and the timing ("at even, at the going down of the sun"). This precision underscores the divine authority behind the commands and the critical importance of exact obedience in worship. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, with the Passover lamb itself symbolizing atonement, protection, and deliverance from judgment, and the "chosen place" symbolizing God's unique, localized presence and the unified worship of His people. The phrase "to place his name in" is a powerful **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's very being, character, and manifest presence, indicating that this designated location would be where God's essence was uniquely revealed, honored, and encountered by His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:6 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over worship and His desire for a pure, unified, and obedient devotion from His people. It reveals that true worship is not a human invention but a divine invitation, to be conducted strictly according to God's prescribed will, in His chosen manner, and with a deep remembrance of His redemptive acts. The command for a centralized place of worship foreshadows the singular focus of God's presence and the unity of His people, while the precise timing of the Passover underscores the historical-redemptive nature of Israel's faith—their identity is inextricably linked to God's past salvation. This verse establishes a crucial pattern of divine initiative in worship, where God dictates the terms, and humanity responds in obedient remembrance, setting the stage for a greater, ultimate sacrifice and a new mode of worship.

* [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Original Passover Timing and Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "The Chosen Place for Offerings and Rejoicing")
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:6, while rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that worship is not merely a human invention or a casual activity, but a divine invitation to be approached with reverence, intentionality, and obedience to God's revealed will. While the physical "place" of sacrifice has been fulfilled and transcended in Christ, the underlying principle of a central focus for our worship remains paramount. Our worship, both individually and corporately, must be centered on God's character, His redemptive acts, and supremely, on His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse calls us to perpetually remember God's past deliverances in our lives, to live in profound gratitude for His salvation, and to ensure that our communal and individual expressions of faith are aligned with His truth, fostering unity and purity in our devotion. It challenges us to consider if our worship is truly offered with the same precision, reverence, and historical memory that God commanded of Israel, reflecting a deep understanding of His holiness and His work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's command for centralized worship inform our approach to corporate worship today, even without a physical temple?**
* **In what specific ways do we, as believers, "remember" God's acts of salvation in our daily lives and communal practices, moving beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does the precision of the Passover instructions encourage us to be intentional and obedient in our faith, recognizing that God cares not only about *that* we worship Him, but also *how* we worship Him?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for God to "choose a place" for worship, rather than allowing sacrifices anywhere?**

Answer: The command for a single, divinely chosen place for major sacrifices, as emphatically reiterated throughout [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship"), was crucial for several profound reasons. Primarily, it served as a powerful safeguard against idolatry and syncretism, preventing Israel from adopting the pagan practices of the surrounding nations who worshipped at numerous local shrines, often associated with fertility cults and immoral rites. By centralizing worship, God ensured the purity and exclusivity of their devotion to Him alone. Secondly, it fostered national unity, providing a common pilgrimage destination that brought the disparate tribes together, reinforcing their shared identity under one God and one covenant. Lastly, it underscored God's sovereignty and unique presence, making it unequivocally clear that He alone designated where and how He was to be approached, emphasizing His holiness and the sacredness of His covenant relationship with His people.

**What is the significance of the specific timing for the Passover sacrifice ("at even, at the going down of the sun")?**

Answer: The precise timing for the Passover sacrifice, "at even, at the going down of the sun," is deeply significant because it directly links the annual observance to the original, pivotal event of the Exodus. [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Original Passover Timing") specifies that the lamb was to be slaughtered "in the evening," which, according to the Hebrew calendar, marked the transition from the 14th to the 15th of Nisan. This was the exact moment God "passed over" the homes of the Israelites in Egypt, sparing their firstborn while judgment fell upon the Egyptians. By mandating this precise timing, God ensured that the Israelites would perpetually remember the historical reality and the miraculous nature of their deliverance, reinforcing the foundational act of their national redemption and the importance of meticulous obedience to His commands, which were rooted in His past faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, meticulously sacrificed "at even, at the going down of the sun," powerfully foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, who was crucified at the very time the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in Jerusalem. As [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover") triumphantly declares, "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." His substitutionary death delivers us from the bondage of sin and the righteous judgment of God, just as the original Passover spared Israel from the angel of death. Furthermore, the "place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in" is ultimately fulfilled not in a physical temple made with hands, but in Christ Himself. He is the true temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God's presence among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). Through Him, worship is no longer confined to a geographical location or a physical structure but is offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21 "John 4:21-24 - True Worship")), making every believer a participant in God's presence. The "season that thou camest forth out of Egypt" finds its spiritual parallel in our new birth and deliverance from the dominion of sin into the glorious freedom of Christ's kingdom ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified")). The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus during the Passover meal, becomes the New Covenant's perpetual remembrance of His body broken and blood shed for us ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), forever anchoring our faith in His finished work of redemption.

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:

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Matthew 26:20

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

Numbers 9:3

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,