Deuteronomy 16:16-21

16 "All the men of your nation are to come to worship the Lord three times a year at the one place of worship: at Passover, Harvest Festival, and the Festival of Shelters. Each man is to bring a gift
17 as he is able, in proportion to the blessings that the Lord your God has given him.
18 "Appoint judges and other officials in every town that the Lord your God gives you. These men are to judge the people impartially.
19 They are not to be unjust or show partiality in their judgments; and they are not to accept bribes, for gifts blind the eyes even of wise and honest men, and cause them to give wrong decisions. 1
20 Always be fair and just, so that you will occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you and so that you will continue to live there.
21 "When you make an altar for the Lord your God, do not put beside it a wooden symbol of the goddess Asherah. 2

Deuteronomy 16:16-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 16

This chapter treats of the three grand yearly festivals, of the feast of passover, when, where, and what was to be sacrificed, how to be dressed, and in what manner to be eaten, De 16:1-8, of the feast of pentecost, when to begin it, where and how it was to be observed, De 16:9-12, and of the feast of tabernacles, when, where, and how long it was to be kept, De 16:13-15, which three times in the year all the males were to appear before the Lord, and not empty, De 16:16,17, an order is given for the appointment of judges in the land, to execute judgment, De 16:18-20, and the chapter is closed with a caution against planting groves, and setting up images, De 16:21,22.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 16.19Exodus 23.6-8;Leviticus 19.15.
  • 2. 16.21Exodus 34.13.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.