Deuteronomy 27:7

KJV

And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt offer {H2076} peace offerings {H8002}, and shalt eat {H398} there, and rejoice {H8055} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also you are to sacrifice peace offerings, eat there and be joyful in the presence of ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt sacrifice peace-offerings, and shalt eat there; and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:7 is an integral part of the covenant renewal ceremony commanded for Israel upon entering the Promised Land, specifically detailing the offering of peace offerings. This verse instructs the Israelites to not only present these sacrifices but also to partake in a communal meal from them, culminating in a joyful celebration in the presence of the LORD their God. It underscores the relational and celebratory nature of Israelite worship, emphasizing fellowship with God and one another as a central aspect of their covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27 initiates a pivotal section within the book, immediately following the extensive exposition of the Law and the call to covenant faithfulness in chapters 12-26. This chapter outlines a solemn and dramatic covenant renewal ceremony to be performed upon Israel's entry into the land of Canaan. The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 27:1-4](/deuteronomy/27-1 "Deuteronomy 27:1-4 - Setting up the Stones")) command the erection of large, plastered stones on Mount Ebal, inscribed with the words of the Law. Following this, [Deuteronomy 27:5-6](/deuteronomy/27-5 "Deuteronomy 27:5-6 - Building the Altar") specifies the construction of an altar of unhewn stones, upon which burnt offerings and peace offerings are to be made. Verse 7, therefore, continues this instruction, focusing specifically on the communal and joyful aspects of the peace offering, setting the stage for the blessings and curses pronounced from Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). It is a moment of profound commitment and celebration of their relationship with God as they prepare to inhabit the land He promised.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Deuteronomy 27:7 is set against the backdrop of Israel's impending entry into the Promised Land, a moment of immense historical and theological significance. The ceremony itself, involving two mountains (Ebal and Gerizim), was a powerful visual and auditory declaration of covenant allegiance. Peace offerings (Hebrew: *zevach shelamim*) were unique among Israelite sacrifices. Unlike burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed by fire) or sin/guilt offerings (portions for priests), the peace offering allowed the worshiper to partake in a communal meal with God (represented by the altar portion) and the priests, as well as with their family and community. This practice symbolized fellowship, thanksgiving, and the enjoyment of a right relationship with God. Such communal meals were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures to seal covenants or celebrate significant events, but for Israel, they were sanctified by God's presence and specific instructions, reinforcing their distinct covenant identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Covenant Relationship**, as the peace offering signifies a state of wholeness and well-being within the covenant established by God with Israel. It highlights **Worship and Fellowship**, emphasizing that Israel's interaction with God was not merely ritualistic duty but a vibrant, communal experience involving shared meals and the enjoyment of His presence. The instruction to "rejoice before the LORD" underscores the theme of **Joy and Thanksgiving** as integral components of true worship, stemming from God's faithfulness and provision, particularly the gift of the land. This joy is not a mere emotion but a commanded posture of gratitude for the *shalom* (peace, wholeness, prosperity) God provides. The verse also subtly touches upon **Obedience**, as the entire ceremony is a direct command from God, a demonstration of Israel's willingness to follow His statutes upon entering their inheritance. These themes collectively paint a picture of a God who desires intimate, joyful communion with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **peace offerings (Hebrew, שְׁלָמִים, _shelamim'_):** This term refers to a specific type of sacrifice in the Old Testament, often translated as "fellowship offerings" or "offerings of well-being." Derived from the root *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), it encompasses a rich semantic field far beyond mere "peace" as the absence of conflict. *Shalom* signifies completeness, wholeness, health, prosperity, security, and a harmonious, right relationship. Thus, the *shelamim* offering was not primarily for atonement (like the sin offering) but for celebrating and maintaining a state of flourishing and communion with God. It could be offered as a thanksgiving offering, a vow offering, or a freewill offering, always culminating in a shared meal.
* **eat there (Hebrew, וְאָכַלְתָּ, _v'achalta'_):** The command to "eat there" is crucial. Unlike burnt offerings, which were entirely consumed on the altar, the peace offering involved the worshiper, their family, and the priests partaking in a sacred meal from the sacrificed animal. This act of eating together "before the LORD" symbolized profound fellowship and communion. It was a tangible expression of God's presence among His people and their shared life with Him, demonstrating that the relationship was intimate and personal, not just transactional.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, וְשָׂמַחְתָּ, _v'samachta'_):** The instruction to "rejoice" highlights the commanded joy in Israelite worship. This joy was not a spontaneous emotion left to chance but an intentional, divinely mandated response to God's goodness, presence, and covenant faithfulness. It was a celebration of the peace and provision He had established, particularly as they were about to enter the land of promise. This commanded joy transformed the ritual into a vibrant expression of gratitude and delight in their relationship with the living God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt offer peace offerings":** This clause specifies the particular type of sacrifice required for this covenant renewal ceremony. The peace offering, as detailed above, was unique in its emphasis on fellowship and celebration rather than solely atonement. It signifies a state of well-being and right relationship with God, making it particularly fitting for a moment of covenant affirmation and entry into the promised inheritance.
* **"and shalt eat there":** This phrase underlines the communal and participatory nature of the peace offering. The act of eating a portion of the sacrifice in the sacred space (likely near the altar) symbolized a shared meal with God. It was a tangible sign of communion, where God, the priests, and the worshipers partook together, signifying a restored or affirmed relationship and the enjoyment of divine blessing.
* **"and rejoice before the LORD thy God":** This final clause provides the emotional and spiritual imperative for the entire act. The eating of the peace offering was to be accompanied by a spirit of profound joy and celebration. This rejoicing was "before the LORD," indicating that it was an act of worship performed in His presence, acknowledging His sovereignty, goodness, and the *shalom* He had provided for His people. It transforms the ritual into a heartfelt expression of gratitude and delight in their covenant God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Command/Instruction**, as the verse is a direct imperative from God to Israel, outlining a specific action to be performed. This highlights the non-negotiable nature of the covenant and the required response of obedience. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "peace offerings" themselves symbolizing wholeness, well-being, and a harmonious relationship with God. The act of "eating there" is highly symbolic of **Communion** and **Fellowship**, representing a shared meal with the divine, a tangible expression of intimacy and presence. Furthermore, the phrase "rejoice before the LORD thy God" uses **Anthropomorphism** by speaking of God's presence as a place before which one can rejoice, emphasizing His immanence and active engagement with His people. The verse also implicitly uses **Anticipation**, looking forward to the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land and the joyful worship that will characterize their life there.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:7 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him. It reveals a God who desires not merely ritualistic obedience but genuine, joyful communion with His people. The peace offering, culminating in a shared meal and commanded rejoicing, signifies that true worship is relational, celebratory, and rooted in the experience of God's *shalom*—His comprehensive well-being and presence. This ancient command foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on fellowship with God and one another, made possible through Christ. It teaches that our approach to God should be marked by gratitude and delight, recognizing His provision and the peace He establishes. The act of eating together also points to the communal aspect of faith, where believers share in God's blessings and celebrate His goodness together.

* [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of the Peace Offering")
* [Psalm 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the LORD with Gladness")
* [1 John 1:3](/1_john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Fellowship with God and One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:7 calls us to consider the nature of our worship today. Are our gatherings and personal devotions marked by the commanded joy and a sense of shared fellowship with God and fellow believers? This verse reminds us that approaching God is not merely a solemn duty but an invitation to a celebratory feast, a participation in His abundant peace and provision. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of faith to embrace a relational one, where gratitude and delight in God's presence are paramount. In a world often characterized by anxiety and division, the call to "rejoice before the LORD" and "eat there" serves as a powerful reminder that true peace and satisfaction are found in communion with our Creator and with His people. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving in all circumstances, recognizing that every good gift comes from Him, and to actively seek opportunities for genuine fellowship that reflects the unity and joy found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "rejoicing before the LORD" challenge or affirm your current understanding and practice of worship?**
* **In what ways can believers today "eat there" and experience communal fellowship that reflects the spirit of the peace offering?**
* **What does *shalom* (wholeness, peace, well-being) mean in your life, and how does it inform your gratitude towards God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "peace offerings" in the context of this verse?**
Answer: The "peace offerings" (Hebrew: *shelamim*) were unique among Old Testament sacrifices because they were primarily offerings of thanksgiving, vows, or freewill offerings, not primarily for atonement for sin. Their significance in Deuteronomy 27:7 is that they culminated in a communal meal shared by the worshiper, their family, and the priests, with a portion also given to God on the altar. This meal symbolized fellowship, communion, and the enjoyment of *shalom*—a state of wholeness, well-being, and right relationship with God. It was a celebration of God's goodness and the peace He had established with His people, particularly as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the relational aspect of their covenant.

**Why is "rejoice before the LORD thy God" a specific command here, and what does it imply about worship?**
Answer: The command to "rejoice before the LORD thy God" is crucial because it elevates worship beyond mere ritual or duty to an act of profound joy and celebration. It implies that true worship is not just about fulfilling obligations but about expressing delight in God's presence and His character. This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a commanded posture, a deliberate act of gratitude for God's faithfulness, His provision, and the peace He grants. It highlights that God desires His people to experience and express joy in His presence, transforming the act of sacrifice into a vibrant celebration of their covenant relationship, as seen in other passages like [Deuteronomy 12:7](/deuteronomy/12-7 "Deuteronomy 12:7 - Rejoicing Before the LORD").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:7, with its emphasis on peace offerings, communal eating, and rejoicing before the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offerings, which established a temporary and partial *shalom* between God and His people, foreshadowed the perfect and eternal peace established through Christ's singular sacrifice. He is our ultimate [peace offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace"), who "made peace by the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Through His death, Christ removed the barrier of sin, bringing us into a state of reconciliation and harmonious relationship with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith, We Have Peace with God")). The communal meal of the peace offering is powerfully echoed in the New Covenant through the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in bread and wine, symbolizing Christ's body and blood, and celebrating our fellowship with Him and with one another ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). This sacred meal is a foretaste of the great [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where eternal rejoicing will characterize our perfect communion with God. Thus, the joy commanded in Deuteronomy 27:7 is fully realized in the boundless joy of salvation and the unbreakable peace we have in Jesus, our Lord and our ultimate *Shalom*.

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

Acts 10:36

The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalms 100:1

¶ A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Psalms 100:2

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.