Deuteronomy 16:7

KJV

And thou shalt roast and eat [it] in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt roast {H1310} and eat {H398} it in the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977}: and thou shalt turn {H6437} in the morning {H1242}, and go {H1980} unto thy tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to roast it and eat it in the place ADONAI your God will choose; in the morning you will return and go to your tents.

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall roast it and eat it in the place the LORD your God will choose, and in the morning you shall return to your tents.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:7 provides specific instructions for the celebration of the Passover within the broader framework of Israel's three annual pilgrimage festivals. It details the precise method of preparing the Passover lamb—roasting it—and mandates that this sacred meal be consumed at the divinely designated central sanctuary. Furthermore, the verse outlines the temporal aspect of the observance, instructing the participants to return to their homes the following morning, thereby balancing solemn worship with the resumption of daily life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16:7 is situated within a larger legislative section (Deuteronomy 16:1-17) that meticulously outlines the regulations for Israel's three major annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (vv. 1-8), the Feast of Weeks (vv. 9-12), and the Feast of Tabernacles (vv. 13-17). This verse specifically addresses the Passover, which commemorates God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, a foundational event for their identity as God's covenant people. The immediate preceding verses (vv. 1-6) command the observance of Passover in the month of Abib and reiterate the requirement to sacrifice the Passover offering at "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose." Verse 7 thus provides the practical follow-up to the sacrifice, detailing the consumption and the subsequent departure, ensuring a complete picture of the ritual.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instruction to "roast and eat" the Passover lamb harks back to the original Passover night in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). This specific method of preparation was a deliberate distinction from other sacrificial meals, emphasizing the urgency and unique nature of the initial deliverance. The repeated phrase "in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" is a distinctive Deuteronomic theme, emphasizing a future centralized sanctuary (later identified with Jerusalem) where all major national worship was to occur. This centralization was crucial for preventing syncretism with Canaanite idolatrous practices and for fostering national unity among the twelve tribes, ensuring that worship was conducted according to God's precise stipulations, rather than individual or tribal preferences.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader chapter, powerfully contributes to several key Deuteronomic themes. Firstly, it underscores **Centralized and Unified Worship**, a hallmark of Deuteronomy, by mandating that the Passover be observed "in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose." This command, reiterated throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")), aimed to prevent fragmented or idolatrous worship and to foster national cohesion around a single, divinely authorized sanctuary. Secondly, it highlights **Obedience and Remembrance**, as the specific instructions for roasting the lamb and the precise location and duration of the feast emphasize the importance of meticulous adherence to God's commands. The Passover itself was a profound act of remembrance, ensuring that future generations would recall [God's mighty act of deliverance from Egypt](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Remembering the Passover"). Finally, the instruction to "turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents" illustrates the theme of **Integrating Devotion with Daily Life**, signifying that while pilgrimage and corporate worship were vital, they were not meant to entirely detach believers from their everyday responsibilities. After fulfilling their sacred duty, the people were to return to their homes and livelihoods, embodying their faith in all spheres of existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Roast (Hebrew, צָלָה _tsalah_):** This verb specifically denotes cooking by fire, as opposed to boiling or stewing. For the Passover lamb, this was a precise command given at the first Passover (cf. [Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Roasting the Passover Lamb")), emphasizing a quick preparation suitable for a hurried departure, and perhaps symbolizing the consuming judgment of God upon Egypt while sparing Israel. The method of cooking also ensured the entire lamb was consumed, leaving no leftovers, further distinguishing this sacred meal.
* **Tents (Hebrew, אֹהֶל _ohel_):** While literally referring to nomadic dwellings, in this context, "tents" functions as a metonymy for "homes" or "dwellings." It signifies the participants' return to their regular abodes and daily routines after the sacred festival. This term evokes Israel's nomadic past and their identity as a people dwelling under God's provision, even as they settled in the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt roast and eat [it]":** This clause provides a direct command regarding the preparation and consumption of the Passover offering. The "it" refers implicitly to the Passover lamb or ox mentioned in the preceding verses. The command to "roast" (not boil) is a specific detail carried over from the original Passover instructions in [Exodus 12:8-9](/exodus/12-8-9 "Exodus 12:8-9 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb"), underscoring the continuity of the covenant and the precise nature of God's requirements for worship. The act of eating together signifies participation in the covenant and remembrance of God's deliverance.
* **"in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose":** This phrase is a quintessential Deuteronomic refrain, emphasizing the singular, centralized location for national worship. It prohibits localized, unauthorized altars and ensures that the Passover, a foundational national event, is celebrated in unity and according to divine appointment. This "chosen place" would eventually be Jerusalem, signifying God's presence and the focal point of Israel's communal identity and worship.
* **"and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents":** This final clause provides the temporal boundary for the Passover observance. After the night of eating the roasted lamb, participants were to return to their homes ("tents") the following morning. This instruction highlights the balance between sacred pilgrimage and daily life. While intense, communal worship was vital, it was not an indefinite retreat from the world but a renewal that empowered individuals to return to their responsibilities, integrating their faith into every aspect of their existence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly the phrase "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose," which is a recurring motif throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place")). This repetition serves to emphasize the theological importance of centralized worship and God's sovereign choice in establishing a single sanctuary. The use of **metonymy** is evident in "go unto thy tents," where "tents" stands for "homes" or "dwellings," signifying the return to everyday life. This concise phrasing efficiently conveys the transition from sacred communal worship to individual responsibility. Furthermore, the verse uses **imperative verbs** ("shalt roast," "shalt eat," "shalt turn," "shalt go") which underscore the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of God's commands, demanding precise obedience from the Israelites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:7 encapsulates profound theological principles relevant to God's relationship with His people. The precise instructions for the Passover lamb, coupled with the command to worship at a singular, chosen location, highlight God's demand for ordered, unified, and obedient worship. This was not merely about ritual, but about cultivating a national identity rooted in God's deliverance and sustained by faithful adherence to His covenant. The return to "tents" signifies that true worship extends beyond the sanctuary walls, permeating daily life and responsibilities. The Passover, as a memorial of deliverance, constantly reminded Israel of their redemption and their ongoing dependence on God, shaping their understanding of grace and their call to holy living.

* [Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb")
* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")
* [Joshua 22:4](/joshua/22-4 "Joshua 22:4 - Return to Tents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:7 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, transcending its ancient context to speak to the nature of our worship and daily discipleship. Just as the Israelites were called to a specific place and manner of worship, we are invited into corporate worship, gathering with fellow believers in the "chosen place" of the church, where we remember and celebrate God's ultimate deliverance through Christ. The meticulous instructions for the Passover lamb remind us that our worship should be intentional, reverent, and aligned with God's revealed will, not merely a casual or self-serving exercise. Furthermore, the command to "turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents" provides a crucial balance: while corporate worship is vital for spiritual renewal and communal identity, it is not an escape from reality. Instead, it is a launching pad, empowering us to return to our "tents"—our homes, workplaces, and communities—to live out our faith authentically. Our everyday lives become the primary arena for demonstrating the transformative power of God's grace, integrating our spiritual devotion with our practical responsibilities, and reflecting Christ's character in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on a "chosen place" for worship in Deuteronomy inform our understanding of the importance of corporate worship and the local church today?**
* **What does the specific instruction to "roast" the lamb, rather than boil it, teach us about the importance of obedience to God's specific commands, even in seemingly minor details?**
* **In what ways can we better integrate our spiritual practices and experiences of corporate worship into our daily lives and responsibilities, rather than compartmentalizing them?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance (like the Passover) strengthen our faith and encourage us in present challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Passover lamb specifically to be roasted by fire, and not boiled?**

Answer: The command to "roast" (צָלָה, _tsalah_) the Passover lamb, as reiterated in Deuteronomy 16:7 and originally given in [Exodus 12:8-9](/exodus/12-8-9 "Exodus 12:8-9 - Instructions for the Passover"), was highly significant. Boiling was a common method of preparation for other sacrificial meals, but roasting by fire was unique to the Passover. This specific instruction served several purposes: it ensured the lamb was cooked quickly, suitable for a hurried meal eaten "in haste" before the exodus from Egypt; it allowed for the entire lamb to be consumed without leftovers, symbolizing the completeness of the sacrifice and the urgency of the moment; and it may have carried symbolic weight, perhaps representing the consuming judgment of God that passed over Israel but fell upon Egypt. It underscored the unique, unrepeatable nature of the original Passover event and the precise obedience required by God.

**What is the significance of the phrase "in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" for the Israelites?**

Answer: This phrase is a cornerstone of Deuteronomic theology, appearing numerous times throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place"), [Deuteronomy 14:23](/deuteronomy/14-23 "Deuteronomy 14:23 - Eating Tithes at the Chosen Place")). It signifies God's intention to establish a single, central sanctuary for national worship once Israel settled in the Promised Land. This centralization was crucial for several reasons: it prevented the proliferation of local altars, which could easily become centers for idolatry or syncretism with Canaanite practices; it fostered national unity by requiring all tribes to gather at one designated location for major festivals; and it ensured that worship was conducted according to God's precise stipulations, under the authority of the Levitical priesthood, thereby preserving the purity of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. This "chosen place" ultimately became Jerusalem, where the Temple was built.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:7, with its focus on the roasted Passover lamb, the chosen place of worship, and the return to daily life, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Passover lamb, roasted by fire, is a powerful type of Jesus Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed to deliver Israel from bondage, Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and death. He is the [Passover Lamb who has been sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"). Furthermore, the command to eat the lamb "in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose" foreshadows Christ Himself as the true and ultimate sanctuary. No longer is worship confined to a physical temple in Jerusalem, for Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up, speaking of the temple of his body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")." Through Christ, believers now have direct access to God, becoming a [spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") and a [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple"). Finally, the instruction to "turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents" reflects the Christian calling to live out our faith in the world. After encountering Christ and participating in the new covenant meal (the Lord's Supper, cf. [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), believers are sent back into their daily lives—their "tents"—to be salt and light, bearing witness to the transforming power of the Gospel and living out their redemption in every sphere of existence, fulfilling the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

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

2 Chronicles 35:13

And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the [other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided [them] speedily among all the people.

2 Kings 23:23

But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [wherein] this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 16:6

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.

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.

Exodus 12:9

Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast [with] fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

John 11:55

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

Psalms 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.