ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Deuteronomy 16

Deut. 16:1–17 These verses deal with the three main Israelite feasts (see Ex. 23:14–17). If Deuteronomy’s detailed laws are arranged in the order of the Ten Commandments, this section corresponds to the Sabbath law in Deut. 5:12. On Passover, see Ex. 12:2–39; Num. 28:16–25. On the Feast of Weeks, see Lev. 23:15–22; Num. 28:26–31. On the Feast of Booths, see Lev. 23:33–43; Num. 29:12–40. All the feasts occur at the central place of worship. For those who lived outside Jerusalem, attendance required several days of travel (compare Luke 2:41–52).

Deut. 16:1 Abib. The first month (Ex. 12:2; Lev. 23:5), corresponding to March/April.

Deut. 16:2 flock or the herd. In Deuteronomy, the Passover sacrifice does not need to be a lamb (compare Ex. 12:3, 21).

Deut. 16:3 eat no leavened bread. Unleavened Bread is the name of the seven-day feast after Passover (Ex. 23:15; compare Ex. 12:15–20). remember. Remembrance leads to obedience (see Deut. 8:2–3 and note).

Deut. 16:5–6 You may not offer the Passover sacrifice within any of your towns. During their wilderness journeys, the Israelites could celebrate the Passover in their tents (see Ex. 12:21–24). Deuteronomy, however, gives instructions for the time when they will be settled in the Promised Land.

Deut. 16:7 Cook means roast, not boil (Ex. 12:8–9).

Deut. 16:9–10 The Feast of Weeks is called the Feast of Harvest in Ex. 23:16. The seven weeks are counted from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain, marking the end of the grain harvest. The Greek name for this festival is Pentecost, meaning 50 days (see Acts 2:1). A freewill offering expresses thankfulness for the harvest.

Deut. 16:13 The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles is called the Feast of Ingathering in Ex. 23:16 and 34:22. It occurred in September/October and marked the harvest of summer fruits such as dates, grapes, and olives. The law was to be read every seventh year during this feast (Deut. 31:9–13).

Deut. 16:16–17 all your males. Presumably females were free to attend the feast (vv. 11, 14), but only males were required to attend. The repeated mention of blessing encourages Israel to enter the land.

Deut. 16:18–18:22 Most of these laws are about the various leaders for Israel. Leaders, like parents, exercise God’s authority toward those under them. This section recalls the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother” (5:16).

Deut. 16:19 You shall not . . . Justice comes from God’s character. See 1:17 and note on 1:16–17; 10:17; Ex. 23:6–8.

Deut. 16:21–22 tree as an Asherah . . . pillar. See note on 7:5. Canaanite worship items were to be destroyed (7:5; 12:3). This law prohibits bringing pagan religious practices into the central place of worship. Compare 2 Kings 21:7.