Bible Commentaries

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. 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*.