Deuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 12-26, 28. A code of laws (Deuteronomy 1-26) followed by promises to the obedient and threats of punishment for the rest (Deuteronomy 28): see Introd., p. 231. The great Deuteronomic law of one sanctuary is taught or implied in Deuteronomy 12:1 to Deuteronomy 19:13 and hardly in any other part of Dt. This section may, therefore, represent essentially the original Deuteronomic code (see Introd.).

Deuteronomy 16:1-22

Deuteronomy 16. The Deuteronomic Laws of the Three Annual Pilgrimage Feasts.—These are adaptations of the older laws in Exodus 23:18, Exodus 34:18-20; Exodus 34:22 f. (general regulations); Deuteronomy 12:21-27 (Passover); Deuteronomy 13:3-10 (Unleavened Bread), all J or E (see also Leviticus 23 (H) and Numbers 28 f., Numbers 9:1-4, Exodus 12:1-20, Exodus 12:43-49, (all P), also pp. 102–104. D in the present chapter lays stress upon the following points: (a) The feasts are to be observed at the one sanctuary (Deuteronomy 16:16), i.e. at Jerusalem. (b) The occasions are to be characterised by joyousness and liberality (Deuteronomy 16:16 f., etc.). (c) The Passover (Deuteronomy 16:1) becomes now a memorial feast. (d) See Deuteronomy 16:1-8.Deuteronomy 16:1-8. Deuteronomy 16:1-3 a, Deuteronomy 16:4 b – Deuteronomy 16:7 alone deal with the Passover, the rest treating of Massoth (Unleavened Bread). It is in D that these two originally distinct festivals are first fused into one, the former becoming virtually the opening day of the second (as in P).Deuteronomy 16:7. roast: render, “boil” (cf. mg.). EV renders “roast” to reconcile with Exodus 12:9 (P), which, however, reflects the later custom. Deuteronomy 16:9-12. Law of the Feast of Weeks.—See Exodus 34:22. It has these features: (a) D makes no allusion to the first-fruits as the other codes do. (b) D agrees with H (Leviticus 23:15 f.) in fixing the date of its observance (seven weeks—a week of weeks, hence the name—after the Passover), only the later law H mentions the specific day from which the calculation is to be made. (c) D shows, as usual, a special interest in the social and joyous aspect of the feast. Deuteronomy 16:13-15. D is the first to fix the duration of the feast of Booths, though he does not name the exact days as H does (Leviticus 23:39). An eighth day is added in P (Leviticus 23:36, Numbers 29:35), and is mentioned in later literature (see Cent.B on Exodus 3:4).Deuteronomy 16:16 f. See Exodus 23:17 (JE).Deuteronomy 16:16. appear before: read, “see” (cf. Deuteronomy 31:11, Isaiah 1:12). Deuteronomy 16:18 to Deuteronomy 18:22 (except Deuteronomy 16:21 to Deuteronomy 17:7, see below). Laws Concerning the Officials of the Nation.—Those mentioned are: judges, the king, priests, and prophets. These laws reveal an acquaintance with the political, social, and religious circumstances of the late monarchy. Deuteronomy 16:18-20. Local tribunals to be set up (the local sanctuaries used as such being now suppressed), presided over by lay judges and priestly assessors.Deuteronomy 16:18. officers: Heb. “writers,” cf. “scribes.” Probably priests (associated in Deuteronomy 17:8-13 with lay judges) are meant; they acting as the legal authorities (cf. our “town clerk”). Deuteronomy 16:21–Deuteronomy 17:7. Laws Demanding Pure Worship and Suitable Sacrifices.—This breaks the connexion; its proper place is probably between Deuteronomy 12 and Deuteronomy 13. Deuteronomy 16:21 f. Asherah . . . pillar: Deuteronomy 7:5.